Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr
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PDAC ROUNDUP 2013 Despite Challenging Conditions, Record Crowd Turns Up for PDAC 2013 Annual prospectors and developers convention showcases the best in Canada By Steve Fiscor, Editor-in-Chief The Core Shack at PDAC allows junior explorers to showcase core samples and talk about their prospective properties. For a second year in a row, the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention attracted more than 30,000 people from 125 countries, making it one of the world's premier events for the mining sector. Now in its 81st year, the PDAC 2013 Convention is more diverse than ever. The crowd at this event consists mostly of investors, analysts, mining executives, geologists, government officials and students. A number of events including the CSR Event Series, Aboriginal Program and Investors Exchange garnered overwhelming support from the general public, reflecting the dynamic nature of the mining industry. More elected officials attended the convention than in previous years, according to the association. The role natural resources development plays in the economic sustainability for aboriginal communities across Canada was also evident. Despite challenging global financial conditions 48 E&MJ; • APRIL 2013 affecting the mining industry, the crowds turned out to see the best of what Canada and the mining industry in general had to offer. Glenn Nolan, president, PDAC, summed it up best by saying that PDAC is a juggernaut of international proportion. It is a trade show, an investor exchange, and a place where the world's mineral industry meets. The technical program, short courses and workshops offer the latest in professional development. The association has an active student-industry program with networking events. "PDAC is probably best known for its convention, but there is also a tremendous amount of work performed by the PDAC staff and volunteers throughout the year," Nolan said. The PDAC actively promotes greater understanding between the aboriginal communities and the mining industry. In his opening remarks, Nolan acknowledged the convention was held on the traditional lands of the Mississauga and asked Elder Alex Jacobs to conduct a traditional welcoming and blessing ceremony. The association is also instrumental in promoting the mining industry in Canada. It supports taxation policy including investment incentives, like the mineral exploration tax credit that encourages Canadians to invest in early stage projects. Through parliament, PDAC addresses legislation and regulations that affect the resource industry, land management and environmental protection. It also responds to constitutional obligation with respect to aboriginal rights and encourages economic development through training initiatives and investment in infrastructure and geoscience research. "The PDAC recognizes this important role and represents its members in making recommendations to the government regarding policies, legislation and the upcoming federal budget," Nolan said. Nolan introduced the Honorable Joe Oliver, minister, Natural Resources Canada, who delivered the keynote address for the convention. Prior to his election to parliament, Oliver had a career in the investment banking industry. He also served as the director of the Ontario Securities Commission and president and CEO of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada. He knows firsthand the value that commodities bring to Canada's economy. Leading the World, the Canadian Way Mining has been driving Canada's economic development for years, Oliver explained. In 2011, the sector contributed $63 billion in nominal GDP or 3.9% of the total Canadian economy— that's $2,000 for every man, woman and child in the country. According to the Mining Association of Canada, in 2011 alone, mining and processing companies paid $7.1 billion www.e-mj.com