The Saskatchewan Government is putting a spotlight on the mining industry this week.

Now until Saturday is Mining Week in Saskatchewan. This year’s theme is “Critical Careers for Critical Minerals”.

According to the provincial government, $13-billion in mineral sales were made last year and estimate mineral resource development spending will reach nearly $6-billion this year.

Saskatchewan is home to a number of resources, including potash, uranium, lithium, helium, copper, zinc, nickel, and cobalt.

“Saskatchewan is on track to become one of the world’s few producer-processors of rare earth elements with a first-of-its-kind in North America, minerals-to-metals rare earth processing facility coming online in 2025” reads the government news release.

“I am very proud of the nearly 30,000 dedicated individuals who make up our mining and supply and services sector in this province,” Energy and Resources Minister Jim Reiter said. “As Saskatchewan continues to lead the way in critical mineral development, the careers and people that drive the sector are integral to our province’s success.”

“Saskatchewan Mining Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the exploration and mining industry to the economic growth of Saskatchewan,” SMA Chair Nathaniel Huckabay said. “The mining sector continues to be one of Saskatchewan’s pivotal economic drivers, directly employing over 11,000 people and consistently ranking among the province’s top contributors to GDP and direct government revenues.”