Opportunities abound in mining industry

Some facts about mining as a career in Saskatchewan, provided by the Saskatchewan Mining Association

1 Mining is one of the fastest growing industries in Saskatchewan. The direct and indirect workforce in Saskatchewan will grow by 42 per cent in the next 10 years; 15,000 new employees will be needed in the Saskatchewan mining industry from 2008-21 to meet replacement needs as well as fill new positions. 2 High-demand occupations in the Saskatchewan mining industry include tradespeople, ( millwrights, electricians, heavy equipment mechanics, mechanics, welders, pipefitters, steam engineers) engineers, miners, supervisors, heavy equipment operators, plant/mill operators, administrative services, engineers, technologists (environmental, mining, instrumentation, laboratory) and geologists. 3 In Canada, an estimated 80,000 people will be needed within the next 10 years, with more than 120 occupations to choose from.

4 Saskatchewan’s mining sector provides direct and indirect employment for approximately 30,500 people and is the main private sector employer in northern Saskatchewan. 5 The average weekly salary of an employee in the mining industry is almost twice that of the average weekly salary of Saskatchewan employees in other sectors. 6 Saskatchewan mining companies spend more than $3 billion annually on wages, goods and services. 7 Job and career opportunities are available in a wide range of areas, from exploration to production and processing to administration and marketing. All mining companies offer extensive training to their employees. 8 The Saskatchewan uranium mining industry is the leading industrial employer of aboriginal people in Canada.