By Katie Woychyshyn, Managing Editor

On March 3-6, the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) welcomed 26,926 attendees to PDAC 2024 convention in Toronto, which is an annual conference that claims to have the best business, investment and networking opportunities in the mineral exploration and mining industry.

With more than 1,100 exhibitors, including governments, companies, and leading experts from around the world, PDAC 2024 was one of the largest events in the association’s history.

“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 Ray Goldie, PDAC President. “Once again, PDAC was proud to showcase a rich array of programming including capital markets, Indigenous relations, student and early career development, and sustainability.”

Further statistics show that of the 26,926 attendees, 138 countries were represented at the conference, with the largest numbers of attendees outside Canada coming from the US, Australia, the UK, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Mongolia, Germany, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. Approximately 1,115 of attendees were students.

The conference’s extensive programming included 10 short courses, 167 sessions, and had 693 presenters. Keynote speakers included Jakob Stausholm, CEO at Rio Tinto; Michael Stanley, Mining Lead at The World Bank; Denise Johnson, Group President at Resource Industries Caterpillar Inc.; and Wojtek Wodzicki from the Lundin Group Vicuña exploration team.

The convention hosted more than 1,100 exhibitors, continuing to serve as the premier venue for unveiling new trends, technological innovations, and industry discussions. 

The event also provided a venue for dialogue between industry and government. PDAC’s leadership seized the opportunity to underscore the important role public policy has in supporting the competitiveness of Canada’s mineral sector. 

“Canada is poised to lead the green transition as the supplier of choice for responsibly sourced critical minerals,” said Goldie. “It is imperative we bolster our critical mineral wealth, and we cannot ignore the foundations of our mineral industry.”

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s next convention, PDAC 2025, will take place on March 2-5, 2025. 

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada is the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community. Currently representing over 7,000 members around the world, PDAC’s work centers on supporting a competitive, responsible, and sustainable mineral sector.