By Jamie Hyland, MiningIR
Sunday, March 1, 2026
TORONTO, ONTARIO — Day 1 of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2026 Convention) opened Sunday, March 1, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, setting an energetic tone for what is widely regarded as the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining gathering. With programming running through March 4, the convention once again brings together thousands of delegates representing exploration juniors, major producers, institutional investors, government leaders, geoscientists, engineers, and service providers from around the globe.
From early morning through the afternoon, the exhibit halls and session rooms buzzed with activity as attendees immersed themselves in four full days of programming that will unfold through March 4. The convention’s “Schedule at a Glance” highlighted a wide array of events on Day 1, showcasing everything from student-industry networking to deep-dive technical sessions and investor forums.
Among the standout offerings was the PDAC-SEG Student Minerals Colloquium, an all-day gathering that brought emerging geoscience talent together with seasoned industry professionals to discuss cutting-edge research and innovation. The event underscored PDAC’s commitment to supporting the next generation of mining professionals while fostering essential connections early in their careers.
Industry professionals, executives, and investors also congregated in the Investors Exchange, Trade Show North, and exhibit floors to evaluate investment opportunities and explore emerging projects. In addition to the student and research-focused programming, sessions ranged from strategic master classes to networking events designed to strengthen partnerships across the mineral exploration ecosystem.
On the exhibit floor, one of the busiest spaces was the Golden Cariboo Resources booth (#2351), which saw steady engagement throughout the day. The Golden Cariboo team welcomed visitors interested in learning more about its progress at the Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine Project in British Columbia’s historic Cariboo gold district. Conversations with investors and peers highlighted the company’s ongoing exploration initiatives and strategic vision for advancing its flagship project.
PDAC’s broader atmosphere on Day 1 was one of optimism and energy, with a palpable sense that the industry is poised to tackle both long-standing challenges and new frontiers of opportunity. Delegates reported high attendance across booths and sessions, illustrating the enduring appeal of the convention as a venue where ideas are exchanged, deals are shaped, and careers are built.
As Day 1 concluded, many attendees noted that the real work of PDAC – the conversations that lead to collaboration, capital flow, and technological advancement – was already in full swing. With several days of programming still ahead, participants are gearing up for deeper dives into market outlooks, sustainability conversations, and hands-on exploration insights that define the future of the mining industry
