By Mathias Leiendecker, Contributor, Craig Kelman and Associates

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) annual convention took place this past spring at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto from March 5-8.

The event saw massive success, with an attendance of 23,819 people. Reaching pre-pandemic levels, it was one of the largest events in the association's 91 years, which solidified the convention as a world premier mineral and mining event. 

“There’s never been a more critical time for our industry to gather, share and learn, as we drive progress, tackle global challenges and seize opportunities for a better future,” says Alex Christopher, President of PDAC. “The energy and optimism witnessed during PDAC 2023 was palpable – it is clear the mineral exploration and mining industry has entered a period of great transformation and growth.” 

Convention Highlights
Over three days, PDAC provided various programs on professional development opportunities. This included capital markets, Indigenous affairs, student careers, early careers, sustainability, and technology.

"For almost a century, the PDAC Convention has been recognized as the leading choice for the world's mineral exploration and mining industry, bringing the latest trends, technologies, and conversations to one central location," says Lisa McDonald, Executive Director of PDAC. 

The 2023 keynote program featured four themes: commodities, mineral outlook, technology, and discoveries. Speakers discussed the exciting and compelling challenges of mineral development – especially the need to improve regulatory and permitting processes, a prevalent challenge in Canada's minerals and mining sector. The issue was a reoccurring theme throughout the conference.

“Canada’s robust permitting process is already ahead of many of our global peers with respect to environmental protection and Indigenous consultation – and even with respect to timelines,” says the Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. “However, there is more work to do. The Government of Canada is working with partners across the country to improve the efficiency of regulatory and permitting processes in a manner that is consistent with reconciliation and our ambitious climate and nature objectives.”

To help improve regulatory and permitting process, Wilkinson announced a $344 million investment, which he said would develop “a dynamic and competitive critical minerals sector."

On the final day of the PDAC Convention, Raymond Goldie was anointed as the new president of PDAC’s Board of Directors, while Alex Christopher was celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the industry and the association. 

PDAC 2023 Awards
Since 1977, the PDAC Convention has recognized exceptional contributions in the industry. This year, six dynamic individuals were recognized for their excellence and leadership in the mineral exploration and mining industry.

Bill Dennis Award
Awarded to Chris Taylor and the Great Bear Resources Exploration Team for the discovery of the Dixie gold deposit when others believed all the multi-million-ounce deposits in Ontario's Red Lake camp had been found. 

Skookum Jim Award
Awarded to Glenn Nolan for his leadership in fostering economic opportunities for First Nations on their traditional lands and for his long history of volunteerism.

 Sustainability Award
Awarded to the Lundin Foundation for creating an organization funded by mining revenue with the sole purpose of providing lasting benefits for communities surrounding Lundin Group companies’ operations.

Thayer Lindsley Award
Awarded to Chalice Mining's Kevin Frost & Morgan Fréjabise for the Julimar Nickel-Copper-PGE discovery under cover near Perth, Australia in 2020.

Viola R. MacMillan Award
Awarded to Alamos Gold’s John A. McCluskey for showing leadership and a willingness to take risks in the acquisition and development of the Island Gold Mine in Northern Ontario.

PDAC 2024 
PDAC 2024 will take place on Sunday, March 3 to Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, ON. Since it began in 1932, PDAC has become known worldwide for attracting attendees from over 130+ countries for its educational programming, networking events, outstanding business opportunities, and fun. Today, it is the event of choice for the world’s mineral industry, hosting more than 1,100 exhibitors and 2,500 investors. PDAC aims to strengthen a globally competitive and responsible industry by supporting more than 6,500 individual and corporate members around the world.

For more information, please visit: www.pdac.ca/convention.