PDAC: 2020 convention exceeds 23,000 attendees
Attendance at the 88th Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2020 Convention totalled 23,144, highlighting the resilience and innovation of the international mineral exploration and mining sector.
The annual PDAC Convention in Toronto is the world’s premier industry event, bringing together investors, analysts, mining executives, geologists, students, and government officials. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned, making him the first sitting prime minister to appear for two consecutive years.
“This is the must-attend event for anyone connected to the mineral and mining industry across the world, and marks my 33rd straight year,” said PDAC President Felix Lee. “The PDAC convention’s significance is now widely recognised by all levels of government who look forward to using it as an opportunity for announcements - including Prime Minister Trudeau.”
Trudeau used the platform provided by PDAC to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to meeting its emissions targets for 2030. He announced the Canadian government will extend the business tax deduction for zero-emission vehicles and equipment to cover mining operations as he believes the sector has an important role to play in the fight against climate change.
“Around the world and right here in Canada, the debate between environment and economy is becoming increasingly contentious and polarised,” Trudeau said. “I think we can all agree that it’s unhelpful for polarised views to define the battleground of a debate.”
Trudeau argued that “a thriving mining industry and a thriving natural resource sector don’t have to be impediments to fighting climate change.”
“To produce high-density batteries and wind turbines, you need copper, nickel and cobalt,” he added. “To build a solar panel, you need 19 metals and minerals. Canada is home to 14 of them.”
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Highlights from PDAC 2020 include:
- Minister of Natural Resources, Seamus O’Regan, announced the next phase of the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP)
- Prime Minister Trudeau announced the federal government will be promoting the adoption of on-road to off-road electric vehicles, including vehicles used in mining applications
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Minister Greg Rickford announced Ontario will develop road access in northern Ontario to service First Nations communities and potentially develop the Ring of Fire project
- Catherine Raw, Chief Operating Officer at North America Barrick Gold Corporation, discussed the recent spate of M&A in the gold mining sector, how it differs from that of the past, and the potential implications this has on investment and growth in the future
This convention is the culmination of advocacy efforts undertaken by PDAC throughout the year on behalf of its 7,500 members and the mineral exploration and development industry.
About PDAC
PDAC is the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community. With over 7,500 members around the world, PDAC’s mission is to promote a globally responsible, vibrant and sustainable mineral sector that encourages leading practices in technical, operational, environmental, safety and social performance.
