Gold is one of the minerals explorations companies are looking for in northern Saskatchewan. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

mining industry

KCDA CEO believes exploration boom occurring in northern Sask.

May 4, 2022 | 3:53 PM

Keewatin Community Development Association CEO Randy Johns believes northern Saskatchewan is headed for another boom when it comes to mineral exploration and mining.

During the last couple of days, Johns hosted a conference called Core Days 2022 which attracted exploration companies, government agencies and interested members of the public. It was held at the Northlands College Mine School in Air Ronge and it included presentations about various projects and mineral deposits throughout the region.

Some of the companies in attendance were Appia Rare Earths and Uranium Corporation, CanAlaska Uranium, Eagle Plains Resources, Fortune Bay Corporation and MAS Gold Corporation.

“People don’t realize how much mining is coming back in northern Saskatchewan,” Johns said. “This is a message we need to get out to the public. Everyone thought mining was in the tank. A couple of years ago Cameco closed down McArthur and so on, but it is really coming back gangbusters.”

Johns explained there are events happening in the world that are creating a big demand for minerals found in the region. At the conference, he said there was a lot of talk about the number of people needed to work just in exploration.

Health

Saskatchewan warned of helium supply cut because of Middle East war

Apr 04, 2026

Out of this World

WATCH: Canadian Space Agency's first space to Earth video call with Jeremy Hansen

Apr 04, 2026

Iran War

Iran calls on public to find 'enemy pilot' as U.S. continues frantic search

Apr 04, 2026

Johns also noted Cameco is reopening the McArthur River mine site and Key Lake mill. By 2025, the uranium giant is expected to hire hundreds of new employees.

“There’s more gold that is coming on stream. There is rare earth [minerals] and there is a whole lot of interest in uranium, so we’re looking at a boom here is what’s going on,” Johns said.

Core Days 2022 marks the first time the conference was held since it was cancelled twice due to the COVID pandemic. Johns noted about 90 people attended, which is higher than previous years.

Johns also mentioned the opportunities that will be coming for mining in northern Saskatchewan in the coming years. For those interested in a career in mining, he recommends the mineral exploration techniques course at Northlands College. The application deadline is May 31.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno