Held from September 8 to 11, 2025, at the Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel, the Uranium, Potash, and Lithium International Conference (UPLift 2025) brought together global leaders, innovators, and technical experts to explore the evolving landscape of these three critical minerals. Organized in partnership with the Hydrometallurgy Section of the Metallurgy and Materials Society and the SK/MB Chapter of Canadian Mineral Processors Society, with the support of the Saskatchewan Mining Association, the event built on the success of the Fourth International Conference on Uranium in 2020, expanding its scope to include potash and lithium—three pillars of Saskatchewan’s mineral economy.
The conference featured focused sessions that fostered deep technical exchange and meaningful networking. With dedicated tracks for each mineral, attendees engaged in specialized discussions led by invited speakers and industry veterans.
Day one opened with a series of fireside conversations with the executives of all the major mining companies, moderated by leaders from the Saskatchewan Mining Association, Pam Schwann and Brad Sigurdson, and honorary chair Engin Özberk. These sessions explored the past, present, and future of mineral production in the province. Speakers included Brian Reilly (Cameco), Jim Corman (Orano Canada), Sam Farris (K+S Potash), Karina Gistelinck (BHP), Lawrence Berthelet (Mosaic), James Hatley (Uranium Energy Corp.), Gary Haywood (Paladin Canada), Adam Engdahl (NexGen Energy Ltd.), and Cory Belyk (CanAlaska Uranium). Their insights highlighted Saskatchewan’s global leadership in uranium and potash, and the growing potential of lithium.
A standout moment came with the address by the Honourable Colleen Young, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Energy and Resources of the Government of Saskatchewan, who emphasized the province’s commitment to sustainable resource development and innovation.
Day two featured a panel discussion on the Global Institute for Energy, Minerals, and Society (GIEMS)—a partnership between the University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The panel was led by Tom Kishchuk, executive director, and included experts Prof. Greg Poelzer, Dr. Graeme Drysdale, and Assist. Prof. Joyce McBeth. This panel discussion explored how GIEMS will foster collaboration across academia, government, and industry to address the opportunities and challenges presented by uranium, potash, and lithium development.
Keynote presentations followed, each offering a deep dive into the technical and economic dimensions of the featured minerals. Biman Bharadwaj (Cameco) spoke on uranium’s resurgence in mining, milling, and innovation. Paul Labbe (MICA) spoke on the historical perspective of growing potash production in Saskatchewan. Dr. Norman Chow (Kemetco Research) provided a comprehensive review of lithium’s journey: from innovation to global dominance – technical, economic, and Canadian involvement.
Beyond the sessions, UPLift 2025 offered rich opportunities for connection. On Wednesday, attendees gathered at the Western Development Museum for a lively social event sponsored by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), Peter Lucas Project Management, and RESPEC. On Friday, participants enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of two cutting-edge research facilities hosted by the SRC. These experiences deepened attendees’ understanding of local innovation and fostered collaboration.
UPLift 2025 succeeded in creating a collaborative space for industry, academia, and government to align on the future of these three critical minerals. With high engagement, expert-led sessions, and strategic conversations, the conference reinforced Saskatchewan’s position as a hub for sustainable mineral innovation.
Thank you to our conference organizing committee: honorary chair: Engin Özberk, chair historical metallurgy; co-chairs: Jeff Adams (Hatch), Todd Steen (Hatch) and Greg Miller (Hatch); MetSoc liaison: Dimitrios Filippou (Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium); CMP liaison: Rayneth Law (Molycop); advisors: Thomas Specht (Hatch) and Brad Sigurdson (Saskatchewan Mining Association); sponsorship leads: Skyler Dillman (AESSEAL) and Matthew Kemp (Peter Lucas Inc.); and proceedings chair: Rashid Bashir (York University).
Special thanks to all sponsors, especially HATCH, NexGen Energy Ltd., and Cameco, whose generous support helped make UPLift 2025 a success.
