SASKATCHEWAN —The Government of Saskatchewan is supporting the development of the province's emerging lithium industry with the introduction of regulatory amendments to set a clear and consistent royalty framework for lithium and other minerals produced from natural brine aquifers.
These amendments to The Subsurface Mineral Royalty Regulations, 2017 will provide certainty for resource companies looking to develop or invest in lithium projects in Saskatchewan.
The new royalty framework sets a Crown royalty rate of 3 per cent of the value of brine mineral sales, with a two-year holiday for new productive capacity. The rate set is consistent with Saskatchewan's Crown royalties for potash, salt and sodium sulphate, while the overall system is competitive with other leading jurisdictions developing lithium from deep natural brine aquifers.
Saskatchewan remains Canada's leading province for mining investment, according to the Fraser Institute's Annual Survey of Mining Companies. In 2025 Saskatchewan is projected to attract over $7 billion in mining investment and account for more than 25 per cent of total mining investment in Canada.
