Close to 1000 delegates in the mining industry made their way to Saskatoon Wednesday morning for the 7th annual Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum.
Pam Schwann, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Mining Association says the purpose of the forum is to connect suppliers with operations in the industry.
“We do that by providing information about what activities are happening at the different mine operations in terms of expansions, but as we move forward it is more about what is happening on an operational basis in terms of expense,” said Schwann.
The event discussed current mining operations and projects in the province that would provide opportunities for supply chain businesses. Cameco, PotashCorp, Areva, Mosais and SaskPower were among the companies presenting.
On the Aboriginal side, Schwann says engaging Aboriginal suppliers is always a goal of the forum. She says, this year, they held an event prior to the trade show focused on discussing ideas on how to get more Aboriginal suppliers in the industry.
“Some of our mining companies, some existing suppliers and Aboriginal economic development agencies met together to talk and discuss what opportunities there were to increase the Aboriginal supply chain in the mining industry in Saskatchewan.
The event was co-hosted by the Sakatchewan Mining Association, the Saskatchewan Inustrial and Mining Suppliers Association and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Economy.
Minister Bill Boyd says Uranium operations in the north are a key factor in the growth of Saskatchewan mining.
“Saskatchewan is the second largest Uranium producer in the world and we are in position to significally grow our position in the global uranium production market,” said Boyd. “There is strong potential for uranium in the Athabasca region and we are very excited for those opportunities.”
During the forum, PotashCorp also announced their intention to have 30 percent of their supply chain consist of Aboriginal suppliers by 2020.