Attendance at the 88th Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2020 Convention in Toronto this week totaled 23,144, highlighting the resilience and innovation of the international mineral exploration and mining sector, according to event organizers.
The annual PDAC Convention brings 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 recognized by all levels of government who look forward to using it as an opportunity for announcements — including Prime Minister Trudeau.”
Programming focused on capital markets, indigenous, student and early career, sustainability and geoscience remain popular among attendees, as well as short courses and presentation rooms.
There were several major announcements made at the event. 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.
