Potash sales may have dropped last year, but that has not slowed the mining industry in Saskatchewan. Kelvin Dereski, General Manager of Mosaic and President of the Saskatchewan Mining Association, spoke about the near future of mining during Yorkton's Chamber of Commerce meeting on June 2nd.
"Mining right now is still very exciting. There's a lot going on," he said. Mining is the third largest economic driver in the province and brings over $7 billion in revenue to the government.
In 2008, the world's agricultural demand peaked to the point fertilizer producers could not keep up. Saskatchewan had to grow its mining operations to out-produce its greatest potash-producing competition-Russia.
Mosaic's mine in Esterhazy is going through a significant recruitment and expansion project. Esterhazy's current capacity is 4 million tonnes of potash. Within the next five or six years, Dereski said that mine will be able to produce over 7 million tonnes.
Recruiting workers is another focus for the mining industry.
"Our average work force is pushing 47 and we're going to see a huge retirement turnover in a few years," said Dereski. "The employment opportunities are going to be there for our youth."
Mosaic holds the mining rights to the east between Esterhazy and the Manitoba border. To the west, they have an exploration permit from Esterhazy to Stockholm.
Their next step is to decide whether to go east or west after the exploration process is finished.
With employment opportunities in mining on the horizon, nearby cities and towns can expect more traffic.
"The availability of homes is the most critical factor," said Dereski about preparing for an influx of workers. Cities must have houses for sale before they can expect new workers to settle in.
