To celebrate one of the many industries that keeps the province’s economy flowing, Mining Week has officially kicked off in Saskatchewan. 

The event was launched at Rise Air’s headquarters in Saskatoon. Saskatchewan Mining Association President Pam Schwan explains the strong relationship between the mining and aviation sectors. She says “We rely (on aviation) for all of our mines in northern Saskatchewan. They’re fly-in fly-out operations. They’re on a two-week in two-week out schedule, so the numbers of flights that go in and out every day are incredible.”

She adds that there is currently a global pilot shortage, which does not pair well with the need for 15,000 new employees in the mining sector needed by 2035.  

SMA Chair Carey Wakeford stated that local mining organizations are banding together to overcome this challenge through recruiting programs targeted at youth.  

 “SMA is working in partnership with the Mining Industry Human Resource Council in piloting a new program called ‘Mining Needs You: Find your place in mining.’ This is a career awareness campaign in Saskatoon,” she explains.

The campaign includes social media advertising, career fairs and events, and an ambassador program.  

The theme for Mining Week this year is ‘Talent, Technology, and Trade: Opportunities for Saskatchewan’s Mining Sector’. Schwan highlighted a few of these opportunities.  “We’re seeing some new mines coming on stream, whether that’s Foran Mining’s copper zinc deposit…or whether it’s new lithium production. These are new minerals that we haven’t ever produced in Saskatchewan or haven’t produced in a long time. With that comes not only opportunities for employment but also business supplies.”

Alongside promoting awareness, Mining Week will provide professional development opportunities for those working in the sector, as well as a 16-team skills competition at Prairieland Park to close out the week on Saturday.