By Jamie Hyland for MiningIR
TORONTO, CANADA — The second day of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2025 Convention was marked by a dynamic mix of political discourse, global investment opportunities, and insightful discussions on the future of the mining sector. The annual award-winning convention, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, continues to be a pivotal platform for industry leaders, investors, and policymakers.
Doug Ford’s Strong Stand on Ontario’s Mining Future
Ontario Premier Doug Ford made headlines with his assertive remarks about protecting Ontario’s energy interests and fast-tracking critical mineral extraction in the Ring of Fire. “If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do everything, including cut off their energy with a smile on my face,” Ford declared in a passionate speech.
The Premier’s comments reflect his firm stance on pushing forward Ontario’s mining agenda despite environmental and political pushback. His government is committed to accelerating the extraction of critical minerals, a move he argues is essential for economic growth, job creation, and securing Ontario’s role in the global supply chain for battery metals.
However, First Nations advocates have raised concerns about Indigenous treaty rights in the region. Ford assured that his administration is not ignoring Indigenous communities, highlighting his plans to increase the Aboriginal Participation Fund by $70 million and relaunch the Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program as a $3 billion First Nations Opportunities Financing Program. These initiatives aim to empower First Nations communities to assess and benefit from resource projects.
Global Mining Opportunities Take Center Stage
PDAC 2025 is not just about Ontario—it’s a truly international event, showcasing investment opportunities and strategic discussions on mining policies across the globe. Several key sessions on Canada, Greenland, Saudi Arabia, and Peru provided insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of the mining industry.
Greenland Day: A Longstanding PDAC Tradition
Co-hosted by the Government of Greenland and the Greenland Business Association, Greenland Day remains a key event at PDAC, offering attendees an overview of the country’s vast mineral resources and investment potential. The Arctic nation is rich in rare earth elements, which are crucial for modern technologies, from renewable energy to electronics.
Canada Investment Day: Showcasing Canada’s Mining Strength
Organized by Invest in Canada and Natural Resources Canada, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, Canada Investment Day was a highlight of the convention. The session featured expert panelists discussing advanced exploration and processing projects, demonstrating Canada’s competitive advantages in the global minerals market.
Canada is a leading destination for mining investment, with an emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and regulatory stability. Attendees had the chance to engage directly with project proponents and investors, gaining firsthand insights into the future of the country’s mining sector.
Canada’s federal government will extend the mineral exploration tax credit by two years to encourage investment in junior mining companies, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced at a Toronto conference.
The tax credit, which provides investors with a 15% incentive for purchasing flow-through shares of small project holders, was set to expire on March 31.
“I am very pleased to announce that the mining exploration tax credit will be extended for another two years,” Wilkinson said Monday at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) annual convention. “This is a crucial piece to ensure capital is directed into early-stage mine development.”
Peru Day: Investment, Sustainability, and Conflict Resolution
With Peru’s mining and energy sectors playing a vital role in global mineral production, Peru Day focused on investment strategies, sustainability efforts, and conflict resolution. As the country approaches an election year, the discussions also addressed the political uncertainties affecting foreign investments in the mining sector.
Key topics included:
- The potential of hydrogen as an energy source
- Exploration progress and technological advancements
- The role of critical mineral-producing countries in global supply chains
With its rich deposits of copper, lithium, and gold, Peru remains a crucial player in the international mining industry.
Saudi Arabia: The World’s Next Mining Powerhouse?
Saudi Arabia’s presence at PDAC 2025 emphasized its ambitions to position itself as a global mining and mineral processing hub. The showcase highlighted:
- Vision 2030’s commitment to economic diversification
- 50,000 km² of exploration opportunities available in 2025
- Significant deposits of gold, copper, silver, and base minerals
- Attractive investment incentives for global mining companies
With the Saudi government actively promoting foreign investment and modern mining techniques, the event served as a gateway for companies looking to expand into the Middle East’s burgeoning mining sector.
Teck Resources: Empowering Indigenous Women in Mining
In a session titled “Strengthening Voices, Building Futures”, Teck Resources Limited highlighted its commitment to Indigenous women’s leadership. Through its collaboration with the UN Women Originarias Program, Teck has supported initiatives that foster:
- Economic growth and entrepreneurship
- Community leadership and decision-making roles
- Sustainable development in Indigenous communities
This discussion underscored how investing in Indigenous women contributes to stronger communities, fostering inclusive dialogue and long-term economic transformation.
A Networking Hub for Industry Leaders
Beyond the formal discussions, PDAC 2025 also provided ample opportunities for networking. Events like Monday’s Happy Hour allowed attendees to connect with industry experts, investors, and exhibitors from around the world. These informal gatherings are a crucial part of the convention, helping forge business relationships and industry collaborations.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for PDAC 2025?
As the PDAC 2025 Convention progresses, the discussions on critical minerals, sustainable mining, and Indigenous participation will continue to shape the future of the industry. With leaders like Doug Ford advocating for accelerated mining projects, and countries like Saudi Arabia and Greenland showcasing their investment potential, the event remains a must-attend gathering for global mining professionals.
Stay tuned for more updates from PDAC 2025 as MiningIR continues to bring you the latest insights from one of the world’s most important mining conventions.
