Canadian Energy Metals identified a potential 6.8 billion tons of alumina near Tisdale, northeast of Saskatoon. This powdery material is essential for aluminum production, impacting sectors from aerospace to battery manufacturing.

Known as project Thor, the development carries a $6.3 billion price tag. The company plans to build a demonstration facility to evaluate feasibility before proceeding with full-scale operations.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe likened the find to the province's potash and uranium resources, saying it could position Canada as a stable supplier of critical materials.

Mike Hill, Mayor in Tisdale, welcomed the discovery as a way to grow the community alongside its agricultural foundation.