MINING WEEK ROCKS

Saskatchewan Mining Week, May 31st to June 5th, is as much a celebration of new science as it is old rocks.

"Our use of advanced technology makes Saskatchewan one of the most competitive and productive mining sectors in the world," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "This is an industry in which 85 per cent of the workforce uses advanced technology for many reasons including safety, protecting the environment, and increasing productivity."

Innovative advances in Saskatchewan mining include the application of robotics to improve safety at the mining face; the development and utilization of solution mining techniques to recover potash; and the development of freeze technology to mine unstable ground. Cline noted that soon Canada's only synchrotron will open in Saskatoon as a world-class research tool for numerous applications including analyzing ore samples.

Mining is Saskatchewan's third largest industry after oil and natural gas, and agriculture. The province is the world's largest producer of uranium and potash, supplying approximately one-third of world demand.

Saskatchewan produces $2.4 billion worth of minerals annually, including coal, gold, sodium sulphate, copper and zinc, with potential for diamonds. The mineral sector generates wealth for Saskatchewan through royalties, taxes and by providing employment for nearly 20,000 people.

The Saskatchewan Mining Association is hosting a number of activities during Mining Week with "Employee Health and Wellness" as the theme. Regional science fair winners will be highlighted at a launch event at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum on May 31st. Mining Week wraps up on June 5th with a mine rescue competition and banquet at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-8277