For the development of Saskatchewan’s technology sector, lithium extraction needs to be developed and supported by Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan for transforming the province’s economy.
Lithium is gaining global recognition and is primarily considered an emerging commodity for diversifying Saskatchewan’s mining and energy sectors. The presence of lithium in some aquifers of Saskatchewan has been confirmed by the Saskatchewan Geological Survey with the Ministry of Energy and resources from their brine sampling program, which began in 2011.
“Lithium demand is forecast to increase significantly over the next decade and our government is making the most of our opportunity to be a leader in the industry Energy and Resources Minister Jim Reiter said. “These already attractive incentive programs being expanded to include this critical mineral advances
Saskatchewan’s position as one of the best jurisdictions in the world for resource development.
Currently Prairie Lithium and Grounded Lithium are drilling in Saskatchewan for lithium. Since 2020, Prairie Lithium has been extracting lithium from surface brine water using proprietary technology and drilled their well which is dedicated to lithium extraction in fall 2021. Grounded Lithium in summer 2022 commenced their first lithium dedicated well. Several other companies in Saskatchewan have acquired subsurface mineral tenure for lithium exploration but are not drilling. The province is looking forward to its growth and innovation with the expansion of the OGPII and SPII to include lithium.
“We welcome this news from the Government of Saskatchewan to support this potentially significant industry in the province,” Gregg Smith President ad CEO of Grounded Lithium said. “The geology of Saskatchewan chose us as the right place to pursue our lithium-from-brine project, and Saskatchewan stands out as a favourable jurisdiction for lithium resource development. We foresee significant growth over the next five years with drilling and facility development accompanied by the associated benefits of impactful job growth and royalty revenues.”
To support Saskatchewan’s competitiveness in oil and gas development OGPII was created to add value-processing and infrastructure capacity, while SPII supports the commercialization of petroleum and natural gas sectors within the province. The inclusion of eligible lithium projects will accelerate the development of the sector.
Saskatchewan has occurrences of 21 of 31 critical mineral commodities of Canada, which includes lithium. For Canada’s economic success, critical minerals are essential. Saskatchewan is Canada’s largest producer of helium and a global leader in potash and uranium production.
To learn more about these programs check Saskatchewan’s OGPII and SPII programs.
