The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada's (PDAC) International Convention, one of the world's leading minerals and mining events, kicked off Sunday amid increased optimism in the global industry.
Now in its 85th year, this annual event brings together the industry from around the world to downtown Toronto. More than 22,000 attendees from 125 countries were represented in 2016, with similar numbers expected this year, as the global mining industry keeps showing clear signs that is coming back up from one of the sector's most severe downturns.
"This event is a staple on the events and social calendar, bringing vast experience and knowledge together with the key influencers and decision-makers who have the ability to make positive change for the sector," said PDAC President Glenn Mullan. "It's also a lot of fun and a big win for the city of Toronto, providing huge tourism opportunities with upwards of $60 million being injected into the local economy - every year," he added.
Some of the highlights for this year are:
The International Mines Ministers Summit, which brings mines ministers from around the world together in one important setting for second year in a row.A selection of minerals from the Kirwin Collection, on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, will be available for everyone to see up close in Trade Show North, which is free to the public.This year's Keynote Session is: What drives success in our industry?Barrick Gold to host Electric Car Race using aerospace-grade construction materials and some of the best technology on the planet from its solar panels to the battery.Attend the Visual and Augmented Reality for the Mining Industry session to and hear a dynamic talk defining how these technologies will dramatically impact the future of the mining industry.The PDAC 2017 Convention takes place March 5-8 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
[Editor's Note: MINING.com is a media sponsor of PDAC.]