REGINA, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- SaskTel is demonstrating flexibility and innovation in the mining industry across the province of Saskatchewan. From cellular service at remote mining locations such as Cameco Corporation's Cigar Lake and Rabbit Lake uranium mining operations to advanced underground wireless communications at Agrium's potash operation at Vanscoy, SaskTel is partnering with the mining industry in new and innovative ways.

Communication can be challenging at remote sites given the limitations of landlines. At Cigar Lake and Rabbit Lake, SaskTel and Cameco partnered to build cellular towers on site, providing service for the minesites and surrounding areas. SaskTel is working with Cameco and Areva Resources, another major player in the Saskatchewan uranium industry, to build cellular towers at other northern sites such as McClean Lake and Midwest in the near future.

"By partnering with SaskTel to build cell towers at our Cigar Lake and Rabbit Lake operations, we were able to enhance communication with our sites and make it easier for our employees to stay in touch with loved ones," said Alice Wong, Cameco's vice-president, investor, corporate and government relations.

Agrium is using a wireless underground communication system designed and built by SaskTel to provide instant communications to employees throughout the mine complex. The system enhances safety and efficiency and offers the possibility of future applications, including ID tagging and asset management.

"SaskTel understands the needs of the mining industry," Agrium Vanscoy Mine Manager Lawrence Berthelet said. "The wireless communication system they provided for our underground operations is robust, it improves safety and it makes our operation more efficient."

"Mining is an important industry and we're pleased to be able to make a significant contribution to mining in this province," SaskTel President and CEO Robert Watson said. "We'll continue to demonstrate innovation and flexibility to help our mining clients meet their communication needs."

About SaskTel

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation (SaskTel) is the leading full service communications provider in Saskatchewan, offering competitive voice, data, dial-up and high speed internet, entertainment and multimedia services, security, web hosting, text and messaging services, and cellular and wireless data services over its digital networks. The Corporation also provides security monitoring services through SecurTek, directory services through DirectWest, in-room communications services to the healthcare sector through Hospitality Network, telecommunications consulting service through SaskTel International and an out-of-province sales and service channel in Alberta and British Columbia. SaskTel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have a workforce of 5,200 full-time, part-time and temporary employees. Visit SaskTel at http://www.sasktel.com/.

About Cameco

Cameco, with its head office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is the world's largest uranium producer. The company's uranium products are used to generate electricity in nuclear energy plants around the world, providing one of the cleanest sources of energy available today. Cameco's shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

About Agrium

Agrium Inc. is a leading global producer and marketer of agricultural nutrients, industrial products, and specialty fertilizers, and a major retail supplier of agricultural products and services in both North and South America. Agrium produces and markets three primary groups of nutrients: nitrogen, phosphate and potash as well as controlled release fertilizers and micronutrients. Agrium's strategy is to grow through incremental expansion of its existing operations and acquisitions as well as the development, commercialization and marketing of new products and international opportunities.

About Areva Resources

With headquarters in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, AREVA Resources Canada Inc. is one of the world's largest producers of uranium. The company operates mining and milling facilities in northern Saskatchewan. Areva Resources is the majority owner of the McClean Lake operation and Midwest project as well as part owner of the Cigar Lake, McArthur River and Key Lake projects. Areva Resources is currently decommissioning the Cluff Lake uranium mine and exploring for uranium in western and northern Canada.

CONTACT: Andy Tate, SaskTel Corporate Affairs, Phone: (306) 777-4548,
Email: andy.tate@sasktel.sk.ca; Lawrence Berthelet, Mine Manager, Vanscoy
Potash Operations, Agrium, Phone: (306) 683-1386, Email: lberthel@agrium.com