Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. Named One of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies

Chaplin, SK - February 16, 2010 - Saskatchewan Minerals Inc., a world-leader in the production of sodium sulphate, has been announced today as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for 2009. This esteemed national award program honours Canadian private companies that demonstrate the highest levels of business excellence on several key metrics. Now in its 17th year, the program is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, National Post, and Queen's School of Business.

Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. was chosen from hundreds of applicants across the country as part of a rigorous screening process that selected the 50 best companies, based on criteria of company performance, growth, leadership, vision, dedication to core competencies and innovation.

"We would like to congratulate Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. and its entire workforce. Achieving Canada's highest level of Canadian business excellence takes a united effort and we are privileged to acknowledge such a strong team," said John Hughes, Partner, Private Company Services group with Deloitte, a national sponsor of the Best Managed program.

"We are truly proud to be named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies," said Rodney McCann, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. "This award speaks to the strength of our Saskatchewan Minerals family. From our plant in Chaplin, we're leading the market in the production of the highest quality natural sodium sulphate. Our customers have come to expect excellence - in both our product and our service. This prestigious award honours the dedication, integrity and commitment of our entire team."

The complete list of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for 2009 was announced today in a special supplement of the National Post. Winners of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at the annual Best Managed gala in Toronto on March 8, 2010.

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About Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies program
Established in 1993, the Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies is a national awards program, recognizing Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Applications are reviewed by an independent judging panel that evaluates how companies address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth.

About Saskatchewan Minerals Inc.
Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. is an innovative, efficient and environmentally responsible world leader in the production of sodium sulphate. Over 80 domestic and international customers use Saskatchewan Minerals' sodium sulphate in the production of detergents, pulp and paper, glass, textile, starch, carpet deodorizers and livestock mineral feed. In August 2009, Saskatchewan Minerals celebrated the production of the 10,000,000^th ton of sodium sulphate shipped during 61 years of business. Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. is a privately held company.

The Rosemere, Quebec, native was overcome with emotion after the run in which he edged out a victory over Dale Begg-Smith of West Vancouver, a Canadian who actually skis for Australia.

“I don’t think I realize it yet,” said Bilodeau after the race. “It just seems too good to be true.”

The second to last skier of the event, Bilodeau’s run was almost perfect as he blasted down the hill to the cheers of more than 8,000 fans at Cypress Mountain.

Bilodeau captured even more hearts at the medal presentation as he embraced his older brother, Frederic, 28, who suffers from cerebral palsy. The world was watching as Bilodeau dedicated his win to him.

“My brother is my inspiration,” he said. “He taught me so many things in my life.”

Bilodeau’s success comes after a long road committed to training. Initially a hockey player, he reluctantly joined the freestyle skiing club at the local ski hill when his mother decided it was time for a more family friendly sport. His love of freestyle grew as he discovered the jumps at the hill.

In 2006 at the age of only 18, Bilodeau was a surprise member of the Torino Olympic team, placing a respectable 11th. Since then, Bilodeau has been able to continue training and improving in part due to organizations such as B2Ten, a privately funded non-profit organization that provides financial support to elite athletes.

Thanks to this support, Canadians everywhere were able to witness history being made in Vancouver this winter.

Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. is celebrating!

On August 13, 2009 Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. and its employees will formally celebrate the production of the10,000,000th ton of sodium sulphate that we have shipped during our 61 years of business.

Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. has a long history of success as a leader in North American and world markets in the production and sales of high quality Sodium Sulphate.  This milestone is first of all a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our employees.

We were only able to accomplish this as well, through the great partnerships with our valued customers.  We want to acknowledge their contribution and thank them for their loyalty over the years.  It is these relationships that have contributed so greatly to our long-standing success.

Saskatchewan Minerals Inc. will be providing a monetary donation on behalf of the customer whom actually receives the 10,000,000^th ton of sodium sulphate that we ship.  This donation will be made to Ducks Unlimited and the Chaplin Nature Centre, our neighbors and partners in nature conservation at Chaplin Lake.

We are eager to continue with these successful partnerships in the coming years as we head towards our 20,000,000^th ton!