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By paNOW Staff

Opportunity for growth

City of Prince Albert proclaims ‘Raw Materials Day’ in advance of international conference

Sep 16, 2025 | 11:52 AM

A tree was planted in downtown Prince Albert Monday to symbolize commitment to sustainability and responsible raw materials use.

The event was prompted by the Canadian Centre for Raw Materials Display Inc. (CACERMDI) and the Canadian Raw Materials Council (CRMC) who have a shared mandate to promote the visibility, education, and innovation related to raw materials across Canada and globally.

The City of Prince Albert also proclaimed Sept. 18 as ‘Raw Materials Day,’ which is meant to be an opportunity for global reflection and recognition of the crucial role raw materials play in shaping economic opportunity, energy security, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, industrial development, and the future of the planet.

Raw materials are natural substances or commodities used in the initial production and manufacturing of goods. These can include anything from agricultural products to various minerals and metals found on Earth. Critical minerals are a select group of raw materials that are essential for modern technologies, the economy, and critical sectors like clean energy, but also have a high risk of supply disruption. Common critical minerals include lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and graphite, which are vital for batteries and wind turbines.

Raw Materials Day takes place in the midst of an international conference this week in Saskatoon focusing on exploring raw materials in Canada’s Atlantic region and beyond.

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Leo Ekhaguere, chairman of CRMC, said the event brings together international stakeholders committed to the ethical and sustainable future of the raw materials sector. He recently travelled to Kogi State, Nigeria where discussions focused on investment opportunities, technology transfer, and other topics related to Kogi State’s abundant mineral and agricultural resources, including limestone, iron ore, coal and gold.

Ekhaguere believes this is the time for Canada to build multiple trading partners and Kogi State presents a unique opportunity for collaboration in raw materials development and trade.

Representatives from Kogi State are expected to attend the conference this week. The Minister of Natural Resources from New Brunswick is also on the list of participants.

Saskatchewan is home to occurrences of 27 of the 34 critical minerals on Canada’s list and the world’s largest deposits of potash and high-grade uranium. In March 2023 the Government of Saskatchewan launched Securing the Future: Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy to drive growth and development of the sector in the province.

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