SEER (Saskatchewan East Enterprise Region) will be hosting a workshop on Thursday, May 20th for manufacturers and individuals in the mining supply chain. The workshop is a hands-on, one-day opportunity to better understand the supply chain process.
"We're talking specifically about potash and uranium," said Elyce Croswell, who is co-organizing the workshop along with Enterprise Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Mining Association and STEP (Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership). "They've gathered a whole bunch of consultants and individuals with vast experience in the mining industry to put together a workshop."
Croswell explained that at the 2010 mining forum in April, experts predicted Saskatchewan would have to create one new potash mine every year in order to keep up with global demand."We're talking major expansions across the province in the next 20 years. If the market is growing at that rate, there's lots of room to move into it."
The workshop itself is designed to be accessible with small class sizes. Croswell predicted classes would be around 25 people per class to keep it a hands-on experience.
"It's specifically targeted at manufacturers, but we've opened it up to any individual who can penetrate [the mining] market."
Professionals involved in trucking, electrical, plumbing, excavating, metal workers and many other mining-related trades are invited to sign up.
Key topics will include supplier pre-qualification, trends in drawing techniques (3-D modeling) as well as practical advice, quality management and understanding the supply chain process.SEER works to help with economic development in the entire East Central Saskatchewan area. They also have an AGM coming up on June 1st at St. Gerard's Hall. (Pre-register by calling 306-728-2740.)
CEO Kim Wondrasek talked about their focus for the coming year.
"Currently we're focusing on investment attraction, hotel/motel development, housing initiatives, assisting the Parkland College with the trades and technology centre as well as offer many additional programs and services, including business counseling.
"We're starting work with the First Nation communities within our region to help meet labour shortage needs within the region. And we offer matching funding for regional economic development projects."
The mining supply chain workshop will be held at the Gallagher Centre Wellington West Room on May 20th, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Register by contacting Elyce Croswell at 306-728-2740 or elyce@saskeast.com, or look online for "2010 mining supply chain workshop" at www.picatic.com.
