By Jamie Hyland
TORONTO, CANADA — The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention 2025, held in Toronto, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, continued its tradition as the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining event. Day 3, Tuesday, March 4, was a testament to the industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.
Morning Sessions: Fostering Connections and Addressing Gender Dynamics
The day commenced with the Student Industry Networking Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. This event provided a platform for students aspiring to enter the mining industry to connect with seasoned professionals. The interactive fireside chat and Q&A session offered invaluable insights into career development and industry expectations.
Concurrently, two pivotal panel discussions took place. The first, “Gender Dynamics in Mining Health and Safety Practices,” brought together health and safety experts to explore the influence of gender on workplace policies and practices. Discussions highlighted the need for inclusive health and safety protocols that cater to a diverse workforce.
The second panel, “Advocating for Economic Equity,” delved into the complexities of economic disparities within the mining sector. Experts examined strategies to bridge the wealth gap, emphasizing the importance of equitable resource distribution and community engagement.
Empowering Women in Mining
The “WIMC & Friends” session served as a casual networking opportunity for Women in Mining Canada’s board members, volunteers, Trailblazer Award winners, and sponsors. This gathering underscored the industry’s dedication to educating, elevating, and empowering women, fostering a more inclusive environment within the mining community.
Global Perspectives: Türkiye’s Mining Potential
A significant highlight was the session on “Mining Potential in Türkiye: Investment and Strategic Developments.” Presented by Dr. Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the session showcased the country’s robust geological potential and recent exploration activities. Dr. Bayraktar emphasized Türkiye’s strategic reforms and supportive government policies aimed at positioning the nation as a premier destination for mining investments. Attendees gained insights into key investment opportunities and the alignment of sustainability with sectoral growth.
Collaborative Efforts: British Columbia’s Sustainable Investments
The British Columbia Regional Mining Alliance (BCRMA) hosted a series of engaging panel discussions focusing on sustainable investment opportunities in the province. These sessions highlighted collaborative efforts to create investment avenues that are both profitable and environmentally responsible, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development.
Corporate Presentations: Showcasing Gold Ventures
The Corporate Presentation Forum for Investors featured a segment on Gold ventures, with companies presenting their latest developments and exploration results. Notable presentations included North Arrow Minerals, Liberty Gold Corp., Kobo Resources Inc., Snowline Gold Corp., Japan Gold Corp., Vior Inc., Sitka Gold Corp., and Calibre Mining Corp. These sessions provided investors with a comprehensive overview of emerging opportunities in the gold sector.
Indigenous Engagement: Rights and Global Context
The Indigenous Program featured a session titled “Indigenous Rights and Engagement in a Global Context.” This discussion centered on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and its implications for the mining industry. Speakers shared experiences and strategies for meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, emphasizing respect for rights and cultural heritage.
Afternoon Highlights: Netherlands Day and Base Metals Forum
The afternoon featured “Netherlands Day: Get in Touch with the Dutch,” an event designed to foster meaningful connections with Dutch companies and explore collaborative opportunities. This session facilitated networking and knowledge exchange, highlighting the Netherlands’ contributions to the global mining industry.
Simultaneously, the Corporate Presentation Forum for Investors continued with a focus on Base Metals. Companies such as Cygnus Metals Ltd., Golden Arrow Resources Corp., Pan Global Resources Inc., Mundoro Capital, Fireweed Metals, Faraday Copper Corp., Gunnison Copper Corp., Northisle Copper and Gold Inc., and Arras Minerals Corp. presented their projects, offering insights into the base metals market and investment prospects.
India Day: Showcasing Mineral Sector Achievements
“India Day,” presented by the Government of India’s Ministry of Mines, highlighted the country’s significant achievements in the mineral sector, including advancements in exploration, production, and policy reforms. The session underscored India’s commitment to sustainable mining practices and its potential as a key player in the global mining landscape.
Uranium Sector Insights
The Corporate Presentation Forum also featured a segment on Uranium, with companies like Denison Mines Corp., Ur-Energy Inc., IsoEnergy Ltd., F3 Uranium Corp., CanAlaska Uranium, ATHA Energy Corp., Global Atomic Corp., Energy Fuels Inc., enCore Energy Corp., and Uranium Energy Corp. These presentations provided valuable insights into the uranium market, exploration activities, and future outlook.
Sustainability Initiatives: Simplifying Responsible Mining Standards
A notable session addressed the need to simplify the responsible mining standards landscape. The “Update on Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative” discussed the proliferation of responsible mining standards and the complexity it adds to performance and reporting. Stakeholders emphasized the urgency of streamlining these standards to enhance clarity and effectiveness in promoting responsible mining practices.
Celebrating Excellence: PDAC 2025 Awards Gala & Nite Cap
The day culminated with the prestigious Awards Gala & Nite Cap, honoring exceptional achievements in the mineral exploration and mining industry. The event recognized leaders, innovators, and outstanding performers, celebrating their contributions to the sector’s advancement.
This year’s PDAC Award Winners included:
- Bill Dennis Award: The Canadian Malartic Exploration Team for their extraordinary discovery of the East Gouldie gold deposit at Agnico Eagle Mines Limited’s Odyssey mine in Quebec’s Abitibi region.
- Thayer Lindsley Award: The Onto Discovery Team at Sumbawa Timur Mining and Vale Global for their outstanding discovery of the Onto copper-gold deposit in the Hu’u project, Sumbawa, Indonesia.
- Sustainability Award: Teck Resources and UN Women – Originarias Program, for their groundbreaking partnership supporting Indigenous women’s leadership in mining communities.
- Skookum Jim Award: David Kritterdlik, the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Wildlife Advisor at Agnico Eagle, for his outstanding contributions to Indigenous participation in mining.
- Viola R. MacMillan Award: John Robins, Co-Founder & Principal of Discovery Group, for his transformational leadership in mineral exploration.
Attendees enjoyed a chic cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, and the opportunity to network with industry luminaries, past PDAC Presidents, and global mining leaders. The Awards Gala & Nite Cap truly served as a fitting conclusion to a remarkable day of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and celebration at PDAC 2025.
