ADVERTORIAL – The world’s premier mineral exploration and development event is once again set to take place in downtown Toronto, Canada.

The eighty-fourth edition of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange, which brings together thousands of investors, analysts, mining executives, geologists, prospectors, students and government officials from over 100 countries, will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) from March 6 to 9.

More than 23 500 people attended in 2015.

“Canada is a world leader in mineral exploration spending and the PDAC Convention has gained a reputation for providing collaboration opportunities for the industry.

“Bringing government, key influencers and decisionmakers together means that the latest trends, technologies and challenges affecting our sector are brought to light and, ultimately, help Canada stay ahead of the game,” says PDAC president Rod Thomas.

For the first time, a one-of-a-kind assortment of 25 000 ores and minerals, many of which are from closed or inaccessible mines, will be showcased. The Kirwin Collection, on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, will be displayed in Trade Show North, which returns to the North Building of the MTCC for the second year to host additional exhibition space.

The capital markets program, Aboriginal program, short courses and workshops return in 2016, along with a keynote session about the future of exploration and development to 2026.

Technical sessions on “What do mining analysts think of your company?” and “Super-giant porphyry Cu‐Au deposits: Important global resources for the future” are expected to draw specialised audiences.

“Programming is designed to reflect current economic and industry trends being faced and provide education and networking opportunities to address them,” says Thomas. “The quality of networking and learning prospects on offer remains a prime attractor for attendees.”

As the PDAC expands its political influence, a heavier government presence is being felt. Former Canadian Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, attended PDAC 2014 Convention – the first and only Prime Minister to do so. The following year, the federal government used the PDAC Convention as a  platform to announce the renewal of the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC) and the appointment of Jeffrey Davidson as Canada’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Counsellor for the extractive sector.

“We look forward to building on our past success and continuing to make ours the world’s leading convention for people, companies and organisations in, or connected with, mineral exploration,” says Thomas.

Some social highlights to look forward to at PDAC Convention 2016 include:
• Awards evening: Where outstanding achievements to the Canadian mineral industry are honoured.
• Mineral outlook luncheon: Don Coxe will discuss the status of the mining industry – in Canada and globally – now and three years from now. 
• Panel luncheon: Discuss the major sectors of the macroeconomy that are likely to initiate new growth in the metals market.
• Prom night closing party: Feel the nostalgia as you close out the convention in your finest prom duds. 

PDAC represents the interests of the Canadian mineral exploration and development industry. It is a national organisation with more than 7 000 individual members and more than 1 000 corporate members. The PDAC exists to promote a responsible, vibrant and sustainable Canadian mineral exploration and development sector. The PDAC encourages leading practices in technical, environmental, safety and social performance in Canada and internationally.

The early registration deadline for the PDAC Convention is February 5. More information is available at www.pdac.ca/convention.