PDAC 2018 reflected the confidence and vigour for the Canadian and Ontario mining sector

The 86^th edition of The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) 2018 Convention is now in the history books.

 A total of 25,606 people attended the PDAC 2018 representing an increase of about 1,500 over the 2017 convention.

PDAC the premier mineral exploration and mining convention in Canada and perhaps the world, attracted attendees from over 125 countries. It attracted investors, analysts, mining executives, prospectors, geologists, Indigenous peoples, government officials and students

“This year’s convention was full of energy and excitement for the year ahead,” says PDAC President Glenn Mullan, referring to sold out exhibitor space, panel discussions, courses, workshops, and networking events such as the prestigious Awards Gala. “After experiencing several years of economic challenges, today the mineral exploration and mining industry is experiencing a renaissance and renewed sense of confidence.”

“It’s clear sign that the mineral exploration and mining industry has regained its swagger and is building momentum,” added Kristy Kenny, PDAC’s manager of communications.

Among the highlights of PDAC2018 was the announcement by Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources Canada of the Canada Minerals and Metal Plans.

Click her for more information on the Canada Minerals and Metals Plan.

https://www.minescanada.ca/en

In addition, PDAC, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, hosted the International Mines Ministers Summit (IMMS) for the third year, bringing together 26 Ministers responsible for mining from around the world—the largest turnout to date. This year’s summit focused on the various ways in which trust can be fostered to enhance and expand the contributions that the mineral exploration and mining sector has on the prosperity and development of nations.

Other popular sessions included the Aboriginal, Capital Markets, CSR Event Series, Student and Technical programs, as well as Short Courses and Presentations.

“In Canada, and around the world, PDAC is recognized as a leader in promoting a responsible, sustainable mineral exploration and mining community,” adds Mullan. “At PDAC, we take pride in being a growth catalyst for the sector by building strong working relationships, both domestically and abroad. The PDAC Convention is the venue for forging long-lasting connections and developing strategies to enhance the positive contributions of our sector around the world.”

This year, PDAC hosted nearly 30 federal, provincial and territorial government officials over the four-day convention—a reflection of the association’s significant leadership role in Canada.

 “I am proud of Canada’s mining industry and the role the sector has played in the growth of our economy by creating highly-skilled jobs, and driving technological and sustainable innovations,” said Marc Serré, (MP, Nickel Belt). “The 2018 PDAC annual convention is a tremendous opportunity to meet with international policy makers, investors, and industry leaders to learn about how the mining industry is driving innovation and growing the global economy. “

MP Serré’s PDAC 2018 Convention highlights and attractions included:

• The International Mines Ministers Summit bringing Mines Ministers from around the world together in one important setting for the third year in a row.
• Meetings with Canada’s Trade Commissioners, who provide Canadian businesses with on-the-ground intelligence, qualified contacts, partnership opportunities and practical advice on foreign markets to help make better, more timely and cost-effective decisions to achieve business goals abroad.
• A roundtable meeting with Minister of Environment and Climate Change, The Honourable Catherine McKenna, and MP Kim Rudd, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, to listen to stakeholder views and participate in a discussion on the Government of Canada’s new approach to environmental assessments.
• A roundtable meeting with Minister of Natural Resources, The Honourable Jim Carr, with Indigenous leaders that discussed Indigenous perspectives on the exploration and mining industry to ensure that their interests are reflected in the upcoming Canada Minerals and Metals Plan, and other federal initiatives.
• The Northern Ontario Mining Showcase:
  • The Pavilion featured live demonstrations, training technology, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and interactive multiplayer role-based training, incident re-creation, and digital safety systems management are on display. The booth also features a speaker series focusing on topics related to new innovations and technologies. Examples include a new online social platform developed specifically for the industry and a presentation on heat generation in battery electric underground haul trucks.

“Our government has made a renewed and ongoing commitment to the mining industry,” added Serré. “We understand the great value it has on a national level and will continue to invest in initiatives that make the industry more innovative and sustainable. As the Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, I have been eager to share the contributions that mining operations in the Sudbury Basin have had on innovation in the sector at the PDAC 2018 Annual Convention, and I look forward to taking what I have learned through roundtable discussions with stakeholders, industry leaders, and Indigenous community leaders, and working with Ministers Carr and McKenna to ensure that their feedback is reflected in the upcoming Canada Minerals and Metals Plan, as well as our ongoing commitment to combat climate change and make our industries more sustainable,” Serré concluded.

The next PDAC Convention will be held March 3 to 6 2019.