Saskatchewan’s Mining and Mineral Industry is hoping a new advisory board will be able to improve job prospects and research within the province.

The International Minerals Innovation Institute will be jointly funded by industry and government and is seen as a group that enables industry to provide financial assistance and direction in education and training programs along with research and development.

Former Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor, Doctor Gordon Barnhart, says programs have already been put in place at post-secondary institutions.

“We want to make sure that we get going quickly on this and already some of the programs have been started at the University of Saskatchewan in geological engineering.  There were a couple of courses — they were full.  Siast as well is designing programs; I believe they will start this fall.”

Industry has already committed to four million dollars of funding over the next five years.