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Fact Sheets

Careers

 

May 2009

  • Mining is one of the fastest growing industries in Saskatchewan. In the next ten years, an estimated 18,000 new employees will be needed in the Saskatchewan mining industry to meet replacement needs as well as fill new positions.
  • The direct and indirect workforce in Saskatchewan will grow by 42% in the next 10 years.
  • In the next ten years, high demand occupations in the Saskatchewan mining industry include tradespeople, (millwrights, electricians, heavy equipment mechanics, mechanics, welders, pipefitters, steam engineers) miners, supervisors, heavy equipment operators, plant/mill operators, administrative services, engineers, technologists (environmental, instrumentation, laboratory) and geologists.
  • In Canada an estimated 80,000 people will be needed within the next ten years -with over 120 occupations to choose from.
  • Saskatchewan's mining sector provides provides direct and indirect employment for approximately 25,000 people and is the main private sector employer in northern Saskatchewan.
  • The average weekly salary of an employee in the mining industry is almost twice that of the average weekly salary of Saskatchewan employees in other sectors.
  • The mining industry spends over $3 billion annually on wages, goods and services.
  • The Saskatchewan mining industry is a great employer offering job and career opportunities in a wide range of areas from exploration through production and processing to administration and marketing. All mining companies offer extensive training to their employees.
  • Saskatchewan mining is a technological leader with 85% of the work force using advanced technology.

CAREERS IN EXPLORATION

Career opportunities in the exploration area, considered the R & D of the mining cycle would include:

  • Geologists
  • Geophysicists
  • General Field Workers
  • Geological Technicians
  • Assayers
  • Engineers
  • Prospectors
  • Pilots
  • Drillers

Exploration activity also generates other career opportunities such as expediting services for food and supplies as well as office staff.

CAREERS IN DEVELOPING, PRODUCING AND MARKETING

Developing the mines, producing and then marketing the minerals produce career opportunities in many areas including:

Engineers

  • Mining
  • Civil
  • Electrical
  • Environmental
  • Geological
  • Mechanical
  • Metallurgical
  • Chemical

MARKETING

In 2008, Saskatchewan's mining industry produced a record $9.7 Billion of product requiring a variety of marketing and sales specialists.

  • Accountants
  • Investor Relations
  • Financial Analysts

TECHNICIANS

  • Computer Technicians
  • Draftspersons
  • Environment Technicians
  • Instrument Technicians
  • Lab Technicians
  • Metallurgical Technicians
  • Radiation Technicians

TRADES PEOPLE

  • Electricians
  • Carpenters
  • Welders
  • Machinists
  • Mechanics
  • Millwright
  • Pipefitters
  • Plumbers
  • Steam Engineers

OPERATORS

  • Draglines
  • Drillers
  • Heavy Equipment
  • Helpers
  • Labourers
  • Mill Operators
  • Miners
  • Shovels
  • Truck Drivers

ADMINISTRATION

Running a mine requires more than engineers, miners, technicians and operators. Someone has to purchase supplies, pay bills, do the hiring and attend to numerous essential duties. Careers in mine administration include:

  • Administrative Assistants
  • IT Specialists
  • Human Resources
  • Lawyers
  • Public Affairs
  • Purchasing Agents
  • Security Guards
  • Warehouse Personnel

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The mining industry is proud of its outstanding safety and health achievements. It has a lower lost time accident rate than the provincial average, lower than a number of occupations including government workers. Saskatchewan mines have often won National Safety Award winners. Careers in this area include:

  • First Aid Attendants
  • Industrial Nurses
  • Safety Officers
  • Radiation Technicians

THE ENVIRONMENT

Environmental stewardship is important to the mining industry.  Environmental practitioners are an important part of the workforce at all mine sites.  Each year, the Saskatchewan mining industry devotes considerable resources and millions of dollars  to reduce it environmental impacts, decommissioning and reclamation and ongoing research efforts.

  • Environmental Technicians
  • Biologists/Ecologists
  • Environmental Engineers

INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE?

www.saskmining.ca           www.acareerinmining.ca                 www.mihr.ca


Information on specific courses is available from SIAST, Community Colleges, and Universities.

© 2010, Saskatchewan Mining Association