Around 26,000 participants from more than 130 countries attended PDAC 2019—the world’s premier annual mineral exploration and mining convention.
Participants included prospectors, students, Indigenous peoples, government officials, investors and executives, as well as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who spoke with PDAC President Glenn Mullan in front of 300 delegates. The conversation with the Prime Minister centred on the Government’s support for Canada’s mineral sector through the recent renewal of the mineral exploration tax credit for five years, along with PDAC’s leadership in Indigenous partnerships, responsible exploration, and how the sector could remain competitive on the global stage.
The convention featured aboriginal, capital markets, sustainability, technical, and student and early career programs, as well as short courses. Other highlights included:
IMMS: PDAC, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, hosted the International Mines Ministers Summit (IMMS) for the fourth year, bringing together 24 ministers responsible for mining from around the world. This year’s summit focused on the future of responsible mineral supply chains.
CMMP and Canada Day: The Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan was officially launched to position Canada as the leading mining nation and to lay the foundation for lasting success at home and abroad. The inaugural Canada Day had sessions on diversity, Indigenous leadership, investment, innovation, clean technology and the future of the sector.
Diversity: As part of the sustainability program, sessions examined diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as in the community setting. The sessions were followed by a Mining for Diversity reception.
“After my 44th straight year attending the PDAC Convention, the enthusiasm I saw from exhibitors and attendees in 2019 was among the best yet,” said PDAC President Glenn Mullan.
“Although we continue to face economic challenges and uncertainty, the mineral exploration and mining industry is experiencing a renaissance and renewed sense of confidence, highlighting its resilience once more.”
The PDAC 2019 Convention attracted a diverse mix of exhibitors, attendees and government representatives, along with sold out exhibitor space, panel discussions, courses, workshops, and networking events such as the prestigious Awards Gala and Mineral Outlook Luncheon.
Source: Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC).