To be held over March 2 to 5, Canadian mineral exploration and development industry association Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC’s) ninety-third yearly mineral exploration and mining convention – known as PDAC 2025 – will reflect programming pertaining to the industry’s shifting priorities, with sessions on sustainability, Indigenous relations and critical minerals development among other key topics.

Building on the successes of previous PDAC conventions, PDAC president Raymond Goldie says this year’s event – including a “vibrant” trade show, in-depth technical programme and awards gala – has something for everyone, “whether you’re an experienced executive, an emerging professional or a student aiming to break into the field”.

Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, in Toronto, Canada, PDAC 2025 will feature “cutting-edge programming and a world-class trade show” with over 1 100 exhibitors.

“With more than 600 000 square feet of exhibits . . . PDAC 2025 will bring together the world’s most influential industry leaders,” says Goldie.

As part of the conference’s focus on Indigenous relations, the critical role of Indigenous partnerships will be showcased at PDAC 2025 through programmes focused on land stewardship, economic empowerment and meaningful engagement with key stakeholders.

The Indigenous programme will uncover the fundamentals of building cooperative, respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships between Indigenous communities and the minerals industry.

The programme brings Indigenous-owned companies, communities and individuals together with industry representatives to share experiences, exchange ideas and network.

In addition, Indigenous leaders, industry experts and legal professionals will share their visions of prosperity and reconciliation with PDAC’s global network at the upcoming event.

Further, the Indigenous Artisans exhibit will showcase the diverse work of Indigenous artists and artisans.

PDAC also aims to inspire students and early-career professionals by expanding their horizons and facilitating engagements with industry leaders through educational opportunities, networking events and mentorship programmes.

Initiatives include the Dr Donald M Leishman Student Convention Experience, the Student and Early Career Programme and the new Indigenous Ambassador Programme.

“These initiatives provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship, learning and networking, helping to ensure a diverse and sustainable future for the sector,” says Goldie.

Key Attractions

Exhibitors at PDAC 2025 will include leading companies, the latest technologies and investment opportunities in the industry from across the globe.

The Trade Show and Trade Show North exhibit will feature 600 exhibitors showcasing technologies, products and services along with the opportunity to meet international government representatives.

The exhibit includes the Northern Ontario Mining Showcase, which is the largest pavilion at PDAC featuring over 110 exhibitors, as well as interactive displays showcasing innovative products and services to help plan, build, maintain and rehabilitate mining projects.

Further, PDAC 2025’s Core Shack will provide a unique opportunity to view projects generating drill results, accompanied by maps, charts and technical information; while the Investors Exchange exhibit will discuss investment potential, with 440 companies, ranging from junior miners to major producers, financial institutions and prospectors, being in attendance.

The Prospectors Tent exhibit provides an in-depth exploration of the industry, featuring self-employed prospectors discussing their maps, samples and claim outcomes.

The Student Minerals Colloquium exhibit will bring together geoscience students and industry professionals, highlighting innovative student research on projects essential for the successful evolution of the modern mining industry.

Through the exhibit, students – including those specialising in mapping, mineralogy, geochemistry, geophysics, environmental management and hydrogeology – working on projects linked to mineral deposits will have the opportunity to share their research with an audience of academics and industry professionals.

Programming

PDAC 2025 also provides attendees with the opportunity to engage in technical sessions, short courses and keynotes covering topics such as commodities, geoscience, capital markets and advancements in exploration and mining.

The Keynote Programme will feature four themes – commodity outlook, mining industry outlook, technology and innovation, and the discovery of the year – designed to inspire and educate.

Here, presenters will discuss new concepts and explore the challenges of mineral exploration and development in 2025.

Keynote speakers include diversified miner BHP CEO Mike Henry, space technology company Fleet Space Technologies co-founder and CEO Flavia Tata Nardini, and this year’s Thayer Lindsley Award recipient, which is open to individuals and teams for one of the greatest mine finds of all time.