From 11th to 15th April 2016, the Competence Centre for Mining and Mineral Resources at the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc., Toronto, hosted a German delegation during the annual Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum. A group of ten companies – among them Siemens, BASF, Bosch Rexroth and CFT Filter Technic – participated in a week-long program designed to provide direct and relevant industry contacts.
After an introductory session on the Saskatchewan mining industry the delegates were able to meet with local mining companies in an informal group setting. After introducing the technologies offered by the German companies the delegates were able to directly discuss procurement processes and needs with the Canadian companies. Meetings were hosted with operations and procurement staff who gave an insight into internal processes of evaluating new technology and their respective project stage. Delegates were able to establish a direct and personal contact with relevant staff. A Canadian-German reception provided additional networking opportunities.
During the one-day Saskatchewan Mining Supply Chain Forum held at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon delegates meet potential distributors among fellow exhibitors and listen to presentations from procurement and supply chain management of the biggest players in the Saskatchewan mining industry. Furthermore, six German companies exhibited in the trade show as part of a German country booth. The country booth was organized by the Competence Centre for Mining and Mineral Resources and allowed for a cost-effective presence in the trade show with minimum preparation and effort required.
A surface and underground mine tour at the Cory potash mine completed the program and allowed for a first-hand impression of the local mining industry (Figure 1). It also gave an impression of the conditions facing potential suppliers to the potash, uranium, coal, and gold mines operating in the province.
The Canadian province of Saskatchewan is not only the largest producer of potash worldwide but also holds the world’s largest potash resources. There are currently ten potash mines operating in Saskatchewan, the “Legacy Project”, a solution mine by the potash producer K+S AG, Kassel/Germany, is currently being commissioned. Moreover, Saskatchewan is the second largest producer of uranium worldwide (about 22 % market share) and also has two active gold mines as well as several coal mines.
If you wish to receive more information or would like to participate in the delegation in 2017, please contact Aarti Mona Soerensen: Aarti.Soerensen@germanchamber.ca. (Soerensen/Si.)
