Estevan has long been known as the Energy City, and coal mining is a big part of our moniker.
Sure we have the oil that plays such a big part in Saskatchewan’s economy, but without coal mining, we wouldn’t be the Energy City to the same degree that we are now.
The loss of coal would not only mean the demise of the mines, but it would mean no coal-fired power generation, which means no Boundary Dam or Shand Power Stations.
This week is Mining Week in Saskatchewan. For the second straight year, we don’t have all of the Mining Week events that we typically see in the province, such as the annual Mine Rescue Competition that wraps up Mining Week, and serves as a showcase of the skill and dedication that mine workers possess.
But regardless of what’s happening, Mining Week should be viewed as an opportunity for people everywhere to say “thank you” to an industry that is indispensable to the southeast and to Saskatchewan.
We owe so much to mining. Those of us who are in southeast Saskatchewan know how valuable coal is for our community and our province. It’s still the most reliable source of baseload power out there. It’s stable, it’s cost-efficient and it’s plentiful. Coal still provides the fuel source that powers electricity for so many homes and businesses, and thanks to carbon capture and storage technology, there’s a new-found level of environmental friendliness.
Coal mining is obviously the type of mining that we’re most familiar with. It’s been a big part of life in the Estevan area long before Estevan became a city or even a town. Many wish coal mining would go away, despite the advancements in technology that can make coal clean and environmentally-friendly.
People who don’t know mining don’t realize how proud miners are of their jobs, whether they be coal miners or workers dealing with other minerals. Those outside the industry talk about retraining and finding other jobs for coal miners, but those jobs might not bring the same sense of satisfaction.
And the odds are good that these new jobs won’t bring the same level of income. Miners are well-paid. They don’t work for peanuts. They work hard, and are deservedly well-compensated. They spend their income in the communities where they live.
Mining creates a considerable number of jobs, and a large economic spinoff. Take coal mining out of Estevan’s equation, and you’ll see a lot of people, other than miners and SaskPower employees, looking for work.
It would also impact enrolments at our local schools, property values and so much more.
We’re not the only region that has a heavy emphasis on mining. Pay a visit to the Coronach area. They’ll tell you about the impact that coal mining has on that community. Travel to Esterhazy. You’ll hear about the impact of potash mining. Visit northern Saskatchewan. You’ll hear testaments to the value of uranium mining.
Mining companies are a big part of the community as well. We see it locally during the United Way Estevan’s annual telethon. The members of the United Mine Workers of America Local 7606 and Westmoreland Mining LLC have donated more than $80,000 each of the last three years. That money is then directed to the United Way’s member agencies, providing assistance to so many people in the Estevan area.
The United Way and its member agencies are not the only organizations that can attest to the generosity of Westmoreland and the employees who work there.
Other mining companies make big contributions to charities throughout the year. Many people known about Mosaic, Cameco, Nutrien and more because of the contributions these companies and their employees make to charities.
Mining matters to Saskatchewan. In so many different ways.
So during Mining Week, take time to thank a miner. Tell them that you appreciate the work that they do, not only this week, but throughout the year. Their contributions are vast.
It’s about creating jobs and economic spinoffs and making great contributions to the province.
