The four-day annual PDAC convention held in Canada has grown in size, stature and influence since it began in 1932, and is regarded as an attendance requisite for the world’s mineral industry. Plans are already well in place for the 2020 event.
THE annual PDAC Conventions in Canada have been recognised as the premier mineral exploration and mining events for people, companies and organisations in, or connected with, mineral exploration.
In addition to meeting more than 1100 exhibitors, 2500 investors and 25,800 attendees from 132 countries, delegates can also attend technical sessions, short courses and networking events.
The convention, run by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), is held each year in Toronto, and is the event of choice for industry stakeholders.
The 2020 conference will be held between March 1-4 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and already a packed program has been planned.
The even kicks off with a networking reception on Sunday, March 1, followed by an opening day reception.
As well, there will be hundreds of displays from the world’s leading mining companies and service companies.
The Keynote Program, Discoveries Of The 21st Century, will kick off proceedings on Monday, March 2, discussing key tier one deposits which have been discovered and put into production.
Three industry leaders – Mar Bristow (Barrick Gold), Joe Ovsenek (Pretium Resources) and Robert Friedland (Ivanhoe Mines) – will outline how this was possible, what the keys to success were, and what the keys for discovery in the future are.
A mineral outlook luncheon on the same day will be addressed by Barrick Gold chief operating officer Catherine Raw, who will discuss the return of major mergers and acquisitions activity in the industry, how it differs from that of the past, what it means for the mining industry as a whole, and the potential implications this has on investment and growth in the future.
As well as networking opportunities, Tuesday March 3 will also offer a session on bringing generalists back to gold.
For years, generalist investors have avoided the gold sector, citing poor capital allocation and subpar returns, even as gold prices remained relatively flat.
With gold prices rallying and retracing highs not seen in six years, what will it take for generalist capital to flow back into the sector? This session will explore the factors and metrics generalists consider when evaluating gold equities, as well as a discussion of the role of gold in portfolio diversification.
There will also be a discussion on liquidity and generalist interest in intermediate and junior gold companies.
Another session targets the expansion of international horizons and targeting a worldwide investor base.
The single most important driver in the mineral sector is the inflow of investor capital.
In a constantly evolving market, the one thing that makes most industry members lose sleep is wondering where the next investor dollar is going to come from.
Usual capital providers have been tapped and the conventional investment hubs (Toronto, New York, Boston, Montreal and Vancouver) are not what they used to be.
The panel includes individuals who focus on uncovering investors in non-traditional geographic locations, and who will discuss ways to bridge the gap in order to attract and sustain investors on a global scale.
Later in the day, delegates have the opportunity to attend a Mining for Diversity reception, which celebrates diversity and inclusion.
The theme for this year — Stronger Together — invites everyone to celebrate mineral and mining professionals and students who open doors and work hard to build a more inclusive industry.
The WIMC Awards will be presented, which recognise individuals who have been instrumental in enabling the increase of a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace within the mining industry.
Various company presentations will be made on Wednesday, March 3, which will be capped off by the Awards Gala and After Party, where all delegates get the chance to rub shoulders with award recipients, C-level executives, financiers, brokers and mining developers.
PDAC president Felix Lee said the “unbeatable” networking opportunities were the main reason for attending the PDAC Convention in Toronto each year.
“Whether it’s making new business contacts, reconnecting with former colleagues, finding the next job, or browsing the latest investment prospects, people are at the centre of it all,” he said.
“And why wouldn’t they be? Mineral exploration and mining is a vast, international industry with a plethora of personalities— and he annual PDAC Convention is the perfect setting to see it unfold before your very eyes.”
Mr Lee said PDAC 2020 marks the 88th year for the event.
“While I’m no stranger to it, this will be my first year attending as president of the association—a role I’m honoured to have, especially during a time of transition and excitement for the sector,” he said. “Minerals and metals have always had the great potential to support the development of communities and nations looking to capitalise on their natural resources.
“Today, they are a key ingredient in the global movement towards a low carbon economy.
“Setting the bar high in 2019, we welcomed 25,843 attendees from 132 countries, which included more than 500 self-identified Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.
“It was also our first year expanding Trade Show North to meet the growing exhibitor demand.
“In addition to an exceptional line-up of programs, short courses, events, speakers and exhibitors, the International Mines Ministers’ Summit, a special platform for ministers who are responsible for mining around the world to come together, will return for its fifth year.”
Delegates who register by February 7 save 40pc on fees.
To stay informed of the latest news and information about PDAC 2020, visit www.pdac.ca/convention.
