There was a groundbreaking ceremony today on a new $51 million mining equipment manufacturing and servicing facility in Saskatoon.

A news release from the province say the facility will bring mechanical cutting, parts, services and aftermarket support under one roof in Saskatoon.

The facility is expected to be operational later this year and will create approximately 30 new skilled labour positions for mechanical cutting, assembly, service and maintenance of products. This work has historically been done overseas, but will now be offered in Saskatoon.

Sandvik Mining Vice President of Sales Area Canada Peter Corcoran said. “Saskatchewan is home to 27 of the 34 critical minerals that Canada has identified as strategically important for the country and demand for those minerals is expected to increase significantly over the coming decades.” He notes that the Saskatoon facility will ensure the company has the capacity and expertise to support customers well into the future.

Sandvik is a multinational engineering and equipment manufacturer operating across 150 countries.

Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said, “Sandvik’s investment will create new jobs and grow the economy while enhancing critical infrastructure needed to support the mining industry,”