SASKATOON — The 18th annual Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum in Saskatoon has reinforced the mining sector’s central role in the province’s economic strength and global relevance.
The two-day forum was held Wednesday and Thursday, April 15 and 16, at Prairieland Park, and drew more than 2,500 participants, a testament to the industry’s growing presence in the province.
The provincial government partnered with the Saskatchewan Mining Association and the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association to hold the event.
Mining remains one of Saskatchewan’s most critical industries, seeing increases in employment and investment, pointing toward long-term prosperity.
Premier Scott Moe said the forum showcases Saskatchewan’s global leadership, with the mining sector playing a vital role in the province’s economic growth.
“Through this forum, we raise awareness of supply chain opportunities and highlight Saskatchewan's essential role in supporting global food and energy security,” said Moe.
“By bringing industry together, we are helping to grow the sector while protecting jobs, communities, and the residents of our province."
Having participants from across Canada and internationally shows Saskatchewan’s position as a global mining leader and a key player in the supply chain that supports the industry worldwide.
For Saskatchewan-based suppliers, the impact is tangible, with SIMSA executive director Eric Anderson saying more than 380 member companies benefit from the forum.
"It enables them to gather knowledge and meet face-to-face with executives from major mining companies that have operations in Saskatchewan,” said Anderson.
He added that the forum provides access to leaders from major mining firms operating in the province, enabling local companies to grow alongside the sector. That growth is backed by significant investment.
SMA president Pam Schwann added that the forum is the event to be at if you are part of the mining business.
Saskatchewan leads the country in mining capital spending, with an estimated $7 billion in 2025, and ranks third globally in investment attractiveness, according to the Fraser Institute.
Major industry players such as BHP, Nutrien, Mosaic and Cameco continue to invest heavily, reinforcing confidence in the province’s resource potential.
The investments translate to mining companies investing more than $3.2 billion in goods and services from Saskatchewan suppliers, including more than $1 billion directed to Indigenous-owned businesses.
These figures highlight how mining drives inclusive economic participation and supports a broad network of local enterprises, while also playing a crucial role in employment and global supply stability.
Saskatchewan ranks first in Canada for critical minerals production and second for Indigenous employment in mining, showing its resource strength and its role in advancing economic reconciliation.
Mining continues to be Saskatchewan’s top industry, with private capital investment in the province rising by 12 per cent to $13.6 billion last year, the highest among the provinces.
This trajectory is anchoring growth while positioning the province as an indispensable contributor to global resource security.
