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4mo ago

Saskatchewan Ramps Up Uranium, Potash and Critical‑Mineral Projects

Federal approvals, large private investments and provincewide incentives are expanding supply as demand for fertilizer, low‑carbon power and tech metals rises.

NexGen Energy is commencing construction this summer of the Rook 1 project while continuing exploration for new uranium deposits in the nearby Pattison Corridor East, said Dylan Smart, the company’s vice-president of regional development, while speaking at the Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum, held April 15-16 at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park. PHOTO: JEANNIE ARMSTRONG
Construction of the Allan potash mine began in 1964; production officially started in 1968. PHOTO: SMA
The Saskatchewan Mining Association’s roots date back to 1964, with the establishment of the Chamber of Mines, based in Prince Albert. One year later, the organization relocated to Regina and became known as the Saskatchewan Mining Association. PHOTO: SMA
K+S Potash is investing up to $3 billion to expand its Bethune potash mine. PHOTO: SMA/GREG HUSZAR

Overview

  • Federal regulators gave NexGen Energy and Denison Mines the green light earlier this spring to begin construction on new uranium mines in the Athabasca Basin, the first such approvals since 2004.
  • Major potash expansions are moving toward production with BHP’s Jansen operation scheduled to start in 2027 and K+S investing up to $3 billion to grow the Bethune mine through 2030.
  • Non‑potash projects are also advancing with Prairie Lithium expecting near‑term lithium output and Eldorado Gold’s McIlvenna Bay copper‑zinc mine set to begin in the second half of 2026.
  • The provincial government is using targeted incentives, including a 25% Targeted Mineral Exploration rebate worth up to $150,000, plus processing and innovation credits to lower the cost and risk of bringing discoveries to market.
  • Industry bodies and research groups such as the International Minerals Innovation Institute are driving safety technology and Indigenous training while a 2024 labour study warns the sector will need about 15,000 more workers by 2034 to meet growth and replace retiring staff.