It seems like mining has been an important part of Saskatchewan as long as there has been a Saskatchewan.
It’s been one of the most important employers in the province, a leading contributor to our province’s economy. It not only creates jobs, but it creates well-paying jobs that carry a significant economic spinoff.
We know this story so well in the Estevan area. Coal mining is a big part of our region. The Westmoreland Coal Company employs hundreds of people who reside in Estevan and other communities.
Take coal mining out of Estevan. It would be a pretty bleak picture. It would have a detrimental impact on real estate values, school enrolments, retail businesses, the hospitality sector and more. We wouldn’t have as many people living here; we wouldn’t have as many good jobs as we do now.
And there are some pretty great people who work at the mines who wouldn’t be living here any longer.
The mines are also strong supporters of the community. They have donated to non-profit organizations, community agencies, sports teams and so much more. Their name, and the names of previous mining companies in Estevan, have been attached to a lot of initiatives.
It might not be a glamourous job, but it is a job that a lot of young people view as an opportunity once they finish high school. It’s an industry that employs a variety of trades. Mines have hired local people, and they have also brought people to Estevan.
And hey, who wouldn’t want to operate the heavy equipment at some point, or be the person who does the work to keep that big equipment operating.
If you’re a coal miner, you get that feeling of satisfaction knowing that your efforts are keeping the lights on for thousands of Saskatchewan families.
But Saskatchewan isn’t just a coal mining province. We’re a province that has potash, uranium and other minerals the world wants. We are the envy of the globe when it comes to resources.
It’s imperative that governments do their part to support this valuable industry. Yes, there needs to be regulations in place, not just as the mining companies are removing the minerals from the land, but once they move into the reclamation phase.
And there does need to be a royalty structure in place, so that the governments get a share of the revenues.
But the regulations can’t be overbearing, and the royalties can’t be restrictive. After all, these mining companies are businesses, and if these businesses can’t make money, or if they have to navigate through far too much red tape, they won’t stick around.
Those who monitor these matters seem to think Saskatchewan is doing a pretty good job.
Unfortunately, the mining sector is among those that will suffer as long as the federal government forces a carbon tax on Saskatchewan.
This week is Mining Week in this province. It’s a week we look forward to each year, as we get to share stories of people in the industry between our various papers, and celebrate the economic contributions of the mining industry.
The Westmoreland Coal Company has a tour of the local coal mines as part of Mining Week each year. If you haven’t been on the tour before, we highly recommend it. You get to see things you wouldn’t see watching the draglines operate from the side of the road.
It’s also a chance to say thanks to the mining industry and the mining companies for all they do in this province. It’s an opportunity to reflect how far mining has come, as far as the technology on the job, the safety standards they have and the wages they pay their employees.
And it’s a chance to applaud the dedicated employees for the long hours they work.
Hopefully mining will continue to be a big part of Saskatchewan as long as there is a Saskatchewan.
