For the first time in four years, the PDAC Convention exceeded 25,000 attendees—a clear sign that the mineral exploration and mining industry has regained its swagger and is building momentum. The
PDAC 2018 Convention—the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining event—attracted investors, analysts, mining executives, prospectors, geologists, government officials and students from a record 135 countries.
“The 86th edition of the PDAC Convention was full of energy and excitement
for the year ahead,” says PDAC President Glenn Mullan, referring to sold out exhibitor space, panel discussions, courses, workshops, and networking
events such as the prestigious Awards Gala. “After experiencing several years of economic challenges, today the mineral exploration and mining industry is enjoying a renaissance and renewed sense of confidence.”

PDAC 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

PDAC, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, hosted the International Mines Ministers’ Summit (IMMS) for the third year, bringing together 26 Ministers responsible for mining from around the world—the largest turnout to date. This year’s summit focused on the various ways in which trust can be fostered to enhance and expand the contributions that the sector has on the prosperity and development of nations.

PDAC hosted nearly 30 Canadian federal, provincial and territorial government officials over the four-day convention—a reflection of the association’s significant leadership role in Canada.

An outstanding Technical Program featured Tito Martins (Nexa Resources S.A.) who led the Commodities and market outlook session; Daniel Malchuk (Minerals Americas, BHP), Sean Roosen (Osisko Gold Royalties) and Anna Tudela (Goldcorp Inc.) spoke during the Keynote session: Industry Review—Lessons for the future.

Over 1,000 exhibitors participated in the Trade Show, Trade Show North, Investors Exchange, Mining Marketplace, Core Shack and Prospectors Tent.

The sold out Mineral Outlook Luncheon featuring A. Gary Shilling—best-selling author, economic consultant, and investment adviser—discussed Opportunities for the mining and metals industry in an excess supply world.

Many Short Courses were sold out! Twelve courses were offered on a range of topics, including environmental geological models of mineral deposits (Society of Economic Geologists), mineral resource estimation
(Roscoe Postle Associates Inc.), and Precambrian gold deposits (Mineral Exploration Research Centre, Laurentian University). Other course themes included minimizing environmental impacts, mining financial modelling, geochemistry, geophysics, health and safety, avoiding the legal pitfalls of working in South America, peer review and technical audits, NI 43-101, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning (Decennial Mineral Exploration Conferences).

Attendees enjoyed continuous networking opportunities—700 people celebrated at the sold out Awards Gala & After Party where leaders in seven categories were honoured in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the minerals and mining industry, and the Grand Finale brought attendees together to celebrate the success of PDAC 2018.