Sask. post-secondary schools form new institute for energy and mining

Saskatchewan’s post-secondary schools will soon be working collaboratively on research and innovation in the energy and mining sectors.

The heads of the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic signed an agreement on Wednesday in Dubai that will create the new Global Institute for Energy, Mines and Society in Saskatchewan.

According to the provincial government, which made the announcement at its pavilion at the United Nations’ climate-change conference in the United Arab Emirates, the new institute will work to better meet the needs of the mining and energy industries through high-level research and development programs.

While few details were shared, the government added that the institute will also provide training and hands-on experience to help add more tradespeople, engineers and scientists to the province’s workforce.

“Through this collaboration, these post-secondary institutions hope to rapidly advance provincial research and innovation in the areas of mining, energy and critical minerals,” the provincial government added in a statement.

“The partnership will allow for a more sustainable future for the province of Saskatchewan.”

While each institution already works with the industries to help address challenges and provide new innovations, the government said the work will become more effective through the new, collaborative approach.

“We look forward to contributing our applied research expertise as we collaborate to unlock the incredible potential for innovation in mining and energy and help train the workforce of tomorrow,” Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president, said in a statement.