Record numbers were reported by the Central Canada Mineral Exploration Convention (CCMEC) this year, with 800 sponsors, exhibitors, and delegates attending on November 4 and 5 in Winnipeg, MB – the highest attendance in the event’s history.

The turnout not only highlighted the excellence of Manitoba’s mining and mineral industry, it also showed the industry’s desire to connect within the mining field and with indigenous communities throughout the province. 

It was a notable year for another reason – 2024 was the first year in the history of CCMEC that the conference hosted two indigenous keynote speakers. On the first day Max FineDay, advocate for First Nations rights and CEO of Warshield, spoke on the history and meaning of treaties, how companies can more effectively communicate with Indigenous leaders and their communities, and the opportunity that exists when companies align themselves with First Nations communities. On the second and final day Glenn Nolan, Vice President of Indigenous Enterprises at Wyloo, delved into his experience growing up in a First Nations community and mining town and discussed the importance of companies building respectful and meaningful partnerships with the communities surrounding their projects.

“We’re very pleased to offer an enhanced Indigenous element this year, showing the industry’s recognition of the critical role Indigenous communities play in resource development, and the importance of collaboration and partnership in the sector,” said Stacy Kennedy, CCMEC Chair and the President of the Manitoba Mining Association of Manitoba (MAMI). 

Another first for CCMEC – a significant government announcement. The Honorable Jamie Moses, Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources revealed the Province’s Securing Our Critical Mineral Future strategy, in partnership with the Honorable Ian Bushie, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations and Indigenous Economic Development.

“This Critical Minerals Strategy will solidify Manitoba as a world leader in responsible mineral development – which in turn brings good jobs to Manitoba,” said Moses. “We've been working on this in partnership with communities, listened to industry, environmental groups, First Nations, workers, and this is what's going to give us the roadmap to be successful in the future. I'm really proud of the approach that we've taken in building this strategy. In the work that we've done to bring people together.” He added: “Our strategy will ensure Manitoba is a secure and responsible trade partner for years to come.”

Minister Moses also announced an additional intake of up to $2 million in funding through the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) to spur immediate economic growth in the province through mining projects. MMDF is administered through the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce and since 2020, MMDF has provided $14.7 million to 90 projects, leveraging over $128 million in private-sector capital, creating more than 660 jobs, and forming 128 community and Indigenous partnerships.

Over the conferences’ two days, CCMEC hosted a mine rescue demonstration with team members from Tanco and Vale; a cultural performance by the Aboriginal School of Dance; an expanded Indigenous Artisan market; and a visit from Vale’s mechanical bot, Rocky, the Rescue Robot, which the company uses to remove employees from risky situations and to increase the safety of its operations.

The trade show broke CCMEC’s past records, having to expand to meet demand and then selling out, with more than 140 exhibitors. On Tuesday night, there was also a Women in Mining Mixer, and on both evenings, EarthEx Geophysical sponsored a whiskey bar sampling for all in attendance. 

CCMEC also showcased a total of 16 technical sessions with 45 industry experts, on topics that included environmental licencing; permitting and exploration; strategic investment; ore evaluation; new technology advancements; Indigenous perspectives; prospecting; critical minerals, and Indigenous agreements, engagement, and economic reconciliation. 

This is the first year MAMI has managed CCMEC, taking over the conference from a volunteer board that ran it successfully for a number of years. The association is aiming to expand the convention and make it an international event of choice for the future.

“CCMEC presents a significant opportunity for industry stakeholders to come together, share insights, network and explore opportunities,” said Kennedy. “We want to encourage meaningful discussions about the sector, the challenges, solutions, and emerging trends.” 

Manitoba is home to 30 of 34 critical minerals identified by the federal government as critical for promoting green energy and sustainable economic success. In Fraser Institute’s 2023 Annual Survey of Mining Companies, Manitoba cracked the top ten for the first time, ranking 6th most attractive in mining investment when evaluated based on geologic attractiveness (minerals and metals), and government policies that encourage or discourage exploration and investment, including permit times. 

The attendance, excitement, and overall success of CCMEC shows that the mining and mineral industry in Manitoba is growing and thriving. 

“It was an amazing two days as we hosted more exhibitors, more Indigenous presenters, and more big news being unveiled than we have ever seen in previous years,” said Kennedy. “Congratulations to all our participants, including exhibitors, delegates, speakers, and volunteers, plus a huge thank you to the MAMI team for an exceptional first year running the conference.