PDAC 2020: Here’s What You Need to Know
2020 has been a mixed bag for the resource space so far, with gold and other precious metals faring well and base metals taking a hit on the back of global turmoil.
As the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention approaches, those involved in and connected to the mining sector are preparing to descend on the Metro Toronto Convention Center to take the temperature of the industry.
Held every year in Toronto since 1932, this year’s convention will run from March 1 to 4 and is expected to attract over 1,100 exhibitors, 2,500 investors and 25,800 attendees from 132 countries.
Whether you’re a veteran or first-time PDAC attendee, earlier is better when it comes to planning your schedule. With just a couple of weeks left until the conference, we’ve assembled some highlights below — we encourage you to do your own research, but if you’re looking for somewhere to start, check out our overview.
What to do at PDAC
PDAC is a major networking opportunity, and the Investors Exchange is a key stop for those who want to engage with companies of all sizes. If you want to delve deeper into geology, you’ll want to check out the Core Shack and the Prospectors Tent, while the Trade Show and Trade Show North provide a look at the latest in mining services and technology.
Learning is another key part of PDAC, and attendees will have a full slate of programming to select from. Those looking to hear commentary on specific metals will want to carve out time on March 1 for the convention’s Technical Program — notably, gold will be covered at 3:30 p.m. EST, battery metals will be at 3:55 p.m. EST and uranium will be at 4:55 p.m. EST.
The afternoon of March 1 will also bring commentators like Mickey Fulp (12:50 p.m. EST), Adrian Day (1:40 p.m. EST) and Rick Rule (4:35 p.m. EST) to the stage for the Letter Writers Program. This year for the first time, the segment will be preceded by a seminar on how to start investing in commodities.
For his part, Felix Lee, president of PDAC, highlighted the Mineral Outlook Luncheon on March 2, which will feature Catherine Raw of Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX,NYSE:GOLD).
“She’ll be coming in to speak about the mergers and acquisitions that have been taking place in the mining sector,” he said, pointing out that Barrick itself was recently involved in a mega deal. “That’s something I think that definitely would be of interest to attendees coming to the convention.”
Lee has been involved with PDAC for nearly 14 years and began his two year term as its 37th president in 2019. A core issue for him has been renewing relationships with Canada’s provincial and territorial governments in order to foster advocacy for the industry.