Mineral sales on pace to eclipse '06

摘要

In 2006, Saskatchewan's mineral sales generated 3.2 billion dollars. The province remained the world's leading producer of uranium and potash, providing about 25 percent and 33 percent, respectively, of the global supply. Other mineral production included gold, silica sand, coal, salt, sodium sulphate, as well as minor ben-tonite and structural clay. Early indications for 2007 look good, as the value of sales by the end of August had already reached 3.1 billion dollars. This reflects higher commodity prices, and a major potash sales agreement with China. Mineral exploration expenditures - estimated to be 277 million dollars in 2007 - were significantly higher than the 243.6 million dollars on the books in 2006. Expenditures in 2007 focused mostly on uranium and diamond exploration, though there was substantial activity for gold, base metals, and industrial minerals including potash, clay and rare earth elements.