Prospectors And Developers Association Of Canada

The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is a leading industry body representing the interests of the Canadian mineral exploration and development sector. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, the organisation serves as the voice of the exploration and development community, advocating for policies that support mineral discovery and responsible resource development. PDAC's membership includes prospectors, explorers, producers, mining finance professionals, and service providers from across Canada and internationally. The association's mandate encompasses promoting best practices in technical, environmental, safety, and social performance throughout the mineral exploration and development cycle. PDAC delivers educational programmes, technical sessions, and networking opportunities to advance knowledge and innovation in the sector. The organisation is perhaps best known for hosting the annual PDAC Convention, one of the world's premier international mining conferences, which attracts tens of thousands of delegates, exhibitors, and investors from around the globe. Through its advocacy work, PDAC engages with government, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to shape regulatory frameworks and promote Canada's mining sector on the world stage. The association also administers initiatives such as the e3 Plus framework for responsible exploration, which provides guidance on environmental and social governance. PDAC was established in 1932 during the depths of the Great Depression, when a group of prospectors came together to protect their interests and promote the mineral exploration industry in Canada.