CAREER AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOCUS OF MINING WEEK

Released on May 23, 2006

Saskatchewan's wealth of "buried treasure" and the exciting career opportunities to search for, retrieve and develop it are being recognized during Saskatchewan Mining Week from May 21st to 27th.

This year's theme of "Training — Our Future" emphasizes the fact that the provincial mining sector is currently experiencing a high demand for skilled workers in trades and professions.

"The economic impact of the Saskatchewan mining sector goes beyond extracting the physical product," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "Mining directly and indirectly employs a total of 20,000 people throughout the province, featuring many of our highest-paying jobs working with some of our most advanced technology. The brightest career opportunities and the best training, particularly for our youth preparing to enter the work force, are right here at home in Saskatchewan."

Mining is the province's third largest industry in terms of the value of sales after oil and gas and agriculture, with a total value of sales of $3.6 billion in 2005. Saskatchewan is the world's largest producer of potash and uranium, and accounts for about 30 per cent of global production for each. Large reserves of these materials indicate that the province will retain a significant presence in the world market for years to come.

Saskatchewan is also Canada's third largest non-fuel mineral producer, generating a wealth of other minerals such as gold, copper, zinc, sodium sulphate, clay and salt, as well as coal.

Record levels of exploration, at an estimated $208 million for this year, point to an even bigger role for mining in Saskatchewan's future.

A variety of mining-related events are scheduled throughout the week, culminating in the 38th Annual Emergency Response/Mine Rescue Competition and Banquet to be held at Regina Exhibition Park.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jamie Shanks Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691