Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA)

Overview

Saskatchewan Mining Association Supports Canada’s Small Modular Reactor Action Plan

The Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) is an industry-driven organization representing the mining and mineral exploration industry with over 25 mining operations in the province. The SMA is the voice of the mining industry in Saskatchewan and it advocates on behalf of members on issues related to provincial and federal regulatory changes, develops and supports educational outreach programs, organizes and hosts public outreach and membership events. The mission of the SMA is to advance a safe, sustainable and globally competitive exploration and mining industry in Saskatchewan that benefits all residents of the province. Saskatchewan mining operations directly employ more than 12,400 individuals and are among the largest employers of Indigenous Peoples. Total direct and indirect jobs in Saskatchewan’s mining sector is approximately 30,000.

In 2018, Saskatchewan was the 4th largest mineral producer in Canada with a total value of mineral production of over $6.7 Billion. Globally, SMA uranium members are the 2nd largest producers of uranium from the highest-grade uranium mines in the world, along with significant reserves and new discoveries. Uranium from Saskatchewan mines provides clean electricity and typically offsets over 500 million tonnes of CO2 annually and are among the lowest emitting facilities globally.

The SMA and its members are committed to being active partners in the transition to a lower carbon future. The SMA views small modular reactors (SMRs) as an exciting evolution in nuclear technology that have the potential to be used as sources of both on-grid and off-grid power and heat generation at mine sites in Saskatchewan. We are pleased to support the government of Canada’s Small Modular Reactor Action Plan for the development and deployment of these technologies.

The federal government’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 underpins the need for governments, economic sectors and businesses to make investments in the development and implementation of technologies and infrastructure that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Nuclear energy and the deployment of SMRs provide the dual benefit of producing virtually emissions free baseload electricity while also providing the backbone that supports the introduction of more intermittent renewable energy to power grids.

The Saskatchewan mining sector sees opportunities for existing and future mining projects that may benefit from the deployment of SMRs. The exploration for mining of uranium for SMR fuel is the most obvious example, but there are also opportunities related to the mining of critical minerals/rare earth elements that are present in the many forms of renewable energy technologies that would be deployed in tandem with SMRs.

Future mining operations in Saskatchewan, and northern, remote communities, could deploy SMRs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide reliable electric supply in a manner that is consistent with the SMA’s culture of safety and environmental sustainability. The future deployment of SMRs could also be a new area of economic opportunity for Indigenous people, communities and businesses as workers, suppliers and potentially, equity partners.
There are a number of Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development organizations that already have the benefit of decades of experience working in the uranium/nuclear energy sector.

The deployment of SMRs in either on-grid or off-grid applications in Saskatchewan will require dedicated and meaningful engagement, particularly in northern and indigenous communities and with community leaders. Many Saskatchewan mining companies have taken the time and effort to establish the respect and trust necessary to have strong
relationships with their partner communities. The SMA looks forward to continued/future engagement on SMRs.

For the reasons outlined above, the SMA supports Canada’s SMR Action Plan and its proposed “Statement of Principles”. The SMA looks forward to working with Natural Resources Canada, the government of Saskatchewan and Canada’s nuclear industry to capitalize on the opportunities that SMRs present for economic and environmental sustainability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Please refer to the attached “Partner Chapters” for the SMA’s proposed actions to support the SMR Action Plan, including results and timelines.