The decision to postpone the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC’s) convention, from March to June, offers “the best chance of success for all of our stakeholders” to engage in the event, states PDAC president Alex Christopher.

He explains that capacity limits for indoor gatherings at large events were implemented by the Government of Ontario, with no guarantee as to when the regulations would be lifted.

“We could not confidently continue planning for an in-person event in March with so much uncertainty, as it was not realistic for us or our attendees, especially those travelling from abroad. We look forward to welcoming the world’s mineral exploration and mining industry back to Toronto at a warmer time of year,” he enthuses.

Christopher explains that after PDAC 2021 was hosted as an online-only event last year, this year’s PDAC will be hosted as an online and in-person event.

The in-person convention will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from June 13 to 15, and the online component on June 28 and 29. The online version will also feature programming, entertainment, exhibits and networking opportunities.

Christopher highlights that this is the first time that the PDAC Convention will be hybridised, which he sees as “a fitting way to celebrate the event’s ninetieth anniversary”.

He stresses that health and safety remain a top priority for PDAC in hosting this event, which is why PDAC 2021 was hosted as an online-only convention.

“There are stakeholders all over the world who want access to the forum offered by the convention, be it online or in person. We recognise our responsibility in being able to offer a safe environment to do that and will continue following the directives of government and public health agencies in all stages of planning for the in-person component of PDAC 2022.”

The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the mining and exploration industry, as it navigated a range of challenges, including managing health and safety, travelling to sites, as well as supply chain disruptions.

“Global uncertainties reminded us of the importance of precious metals, as gold prices soared to record heights, along with increases in other commodity prices over the past two years,” he adds.

North American Mining

The mineral exploration and mining industry is vast, and affects almost every country in the world, Christopher states. 

He contends that the PDAC event is the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention. For the North American market, the role of mineral exploration and mining as a catalyst in the shift to a low-carbon future has remained a dominant topic in recent years, he adds.

He stresses that Canada is also uniquely positioned as a leader in exploration and mining best practices, in addition to its production of the minerals and metals required for the shift to low-carbon and renewable energies.

Further, agreements, such as the Canada-US joint action plan, and the Canada-European Union alliance, are likely to contribute to these discussions on mining and exploration in the region in the future.

He adds that the PDAC Convention is committed to offering a line-up of programming and short courses that focus on the latest challenges, trends and technologies influencing the industry in North America and globally.

Topics are selected based on the expertise of volunteers that form part of the convention planning committee.

In-person and online programming features a range of content from capital markets to indigenous; it will also include student and early career opportunities, as well as sustainability and technical sessions.

The expanded keynote also provides a platform for experts to present on commodity trends, innovation and new discoveries.

Networking opportunities – “which have kept attendees returning for decades” – will also return with the hosting of the in-person convention.

“Sometimes, the most significant opportunities come from simply putting people, governments and companies together in one place to discuss issues facing the industry. It allows for collaboration and the chance to work together towards mutual objectives. We are unrivaled in offering such a platform,” Christopher concludes.