Minerals

Gold

Gold was first discovered in Saskatchewan in 1859 around the North Saskatchewan River. Since then, gold has been mined west of Creighton, northeast of La Ronge and near Uranium City. In 2002, Saskatchewan produced about 56 000 ounces of gold worth $26 million.

Main Uses

Gold is used to make jewelry, gold coins, and gold bars. Gold is a major component in the electronics, computer, and telecommunications industries. It is also used to make reflective coatings on types of windows, space suits and satellites, as well as to decorate dishes, statues, buildings, picture frames and books.

Uranium

For more than 40 years, uranium has been produced in Saskatchewan's far north. Today, a large portion of the world's uranium production still comes from Northern Saskatchewan. In 2002, Saskatchewan companies sold 11 million kg of uranium concentrate worth approximately $435 million.

Main Uses

Uranium is exported to electrical utilities in other parts of Canada, the United States and many other countries. Besides its major use for energy, uranium is also used to color glass and ceramic glazes, for medical diagnosis and treatment, and for food preservation.

Potash

Saskatchewan produces about 85% of Canada's potash ore. The potash industry is the largest employer in the Saskatchewan mining industry with 10 operating mines. In 1993, the mines produced six million tones of potash worth about $800 million.

Main Uses

More than 95% of Saskatchewan's potash is used as fertilizer. Potash is used in things like chemicals, soaps and detergents, water conditioners, color T.V. tubes, and synthetic rubber.

Coal

In 1993, Saskatchewan produced 10 million tones of lignite coal worth $94 million. Lignite is black, unlike the brown coal Germany that does not produce as much heat. Coal deposits in Saskatchewan were first reported by the Palsied expedition in 1875, and coal has been mined in Saskatchewan since 1870. Most Saskatchewan coal is mined in the Palsied triangle in the Sours Valley near Steven here it was first discovered.

Main Uses

Most of Saskatchewan's coal is used in the province to generate electricity. Some coal is also exported to Manitoba or Ontario. There is only a little amount used to make charcoal briquettes for barbecues.