By Jamie Hyland for MiningIR.com
Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is proud to have hosted an unprecedented 26,926 attendees
Toronto, ON — March 7, 2024 — As the PDAC Convention wraps up its final day, the city of Toronto reflects on the monumental success of what has become the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining event. The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is proud to have hosted an unprecedented 26,926 attendees, affirming the convention’s status as a critical hub for business, investment, and networking within the industry. Spanning from March 3 to March 6, 2024, PDAC 2024 saw over 1,100 exhibitors, ranging from government bodies to multinational corporations and leading industry experts, making it one of the most significant events in the association’s history. This year’s gathering not only showcased the vibrant future of mineral exploration and mining but also reinforced Toronto’s position as a global meeting point for the industry’s brightest minds and biggest ideas.
“PDAC 2024 carried forward the Convention’s 92-year legacy, serving as the premier venue for unveiling new trends, technological innovations, and industry discussions,” said PDAC President Ray Goldie. “Once again, PDAC was proud to showcase a rich array of programming including capital markets, Indigenous relations, student and early career development, and sustainability.” “Canada is poised to lead the green transition as the supplier of choice for responsibly sourced critical minerals,” said Ray Goldie. “It is imperative we bolster our critical mineral wealth, and we cannot ignore the foundations of our mineral industry. PDAC’s closing call to our federal government is that it must renew the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit that is set to expire this month.”
PDAC President Ray Goldie
A Day of Insightful Presentations and Networking
The day kicked off with presentations in Room 203D, focusing on the complexities of dealing with refractory gold in “Refactory gold 102: You know what to do with it, now how do you get there?” Concurrently, the “Discovery of the Year Keynote” highlighted the Vicuña District’s potential, underscoring the themes of perseverance, reinvention, and culture as essential ingredients for value creation in mining.
The Investors Exchange remained a bustling hub of activity, featuring over 300 junior exploration companies alongside industry giants like Barrick Gold Corporation, BHP, Kinross Gold Corporation, and Rio Tinto. This diverse mix offered ample opportunities for attendees to connect, share insights, and explore new business avenues.
The Core Shack presented a tangible slice of the industry’s heartbeat, showcasing the latest discoveries and projects. Online platforms provided additional information on companies presenting their core, enabling a broader audience to engage with these innovations.
Notably, the Corporate Presentation Forum for Investors shed light on emerging and established companies, including Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd., Manganese X Energy Corp., and Amex Exploration Inc. These sessions offered a unique glimpse into the strategic directions and growth prospects of participating firms.
At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the PDAC, eight distinguished members were elected to its Board of Directors. With President Raymond Goldie at the helm, the board now welcomes Rosario Astuvilca-Rojas, Charles Beaudry, Kurt Breede, Jessie Liu-Ernsting, Gordon Maxwell, Karen Rees, Rob Stevens, and Valerie Wilson. This group of seasoned professionals is tasked with guiding the Association in its mission to secure the essential resources of land, capital, and expertise necessary for the ethical discovery and development of minerals.
Special thanks are extended to keynote speakers Jakob Stausholm of Rio Tinto, Michael Stanley from The World Bank, Denise Johnson of Caterpillar Inc., and Wojtek Wodzicki of the Lundin Group’s Vicuña Exploration Team. Their insights and contributions were invaluable to the success of this year’s convention.
The PDAC 2024 would not have been possible without the dedication of countless volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and participants. Their collective effort underscores the convention’s significance as a pivotal event for the mineral industry, facilitating more than 1,100 exhibitors and 2,500 investors’ convergence.
Looking Forward to 2025
As we reflect on the wealth of knowledge, partnerships, and opportunities cultivated over these four days, PDAC President Ray Goldie’s closing remarks resonate with anticipation for the future. With an eye towards PDAC 2025, scheduled for March 2-5, the mining community is invited back to Toronto to continue this journey of exploration, development, and collaboration.
As we bid farewell to PDAC 2024, the insights gained and connections made continue to fuel the global mining industry’s progress. With an enduring commitment to sustainable and responsible mining, the PDAC Convention remains a beacon for professionals eager to shape the future of mineral exploration and development. Here’s to another successful year and the promising horizons that PDAC 2025 will undoubtedly bring.
