PDAC 2026 Global mining community gathers to shape the future of mineral exploration

The global mineral exploration and mining community gathered this week in Toronto for PDAC 2026, continuing a remarkable 94-year tradition of connecting industry leaders, investors, governments, Indigenous communities and the next generation of professionals.

PDAC record

This year’s convention set a historic participation record, welcoming 32,155 attendees from around the world. The strong turnout reflects growing global momentum around the mineral sector and its strategic importance for the energy transition, advanced technologies, defence and economic growth.

More than 1,300 exhibitors filled the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, making this the largest trade show footprint in PDAC history across both the North and South buildings. Across four intensive days, the convention became a hub for: strategic networking, investment discussions and project financing, deal-making and partnerships, expert panels on exploration, project development and capital markets

Hundreds of speakers examined the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the mineral industry from critical mineral supply chains to responsible resource development.

Keynote speakers

Among this year’s keynote and featured speakers were Gustavo Pimenta, Don Lindsay, Mikko Tepponen, Paul Bartos, Angele Poitras, Alex Davidson, Bob Carmichael, Brigette Martini, Brooke Clements, Charles Cooper, Conor McKinley, Doris Hiam-Galvez, Elizabeth Freele, Emmanuelle Toussaint, Gianni Bartolacci, Francisca Maepa, Ivan Bebek, Jeff Wilson, Kal Kotecha, Ken Johnson, Kevin PCJ D’Souza, Laura Clinton, Marion Olivier, Michael Dirienzo, Nick Joyce, Nicholas Williams, Sebastian Benavides, Stephanie Skitch, and Stephen Crozier.

A strong presence of international governments and policymakers also highlighted how mineral supply, investment frameworks and regulatory policies are becoming central topics in global economic and energy strategies.

Mining sector

As PDAC President Karen Rees emphasized, strong commodity markets are fueling optimism across the sector, while policy decisions will remain critical in maintaining competitiveness and investor confidence in mineral exploration.

For context, the mineral sector remains a cornerstone of Canada’s economy. According to Natural Resources Canada (2025), the industry: employs over 724,000 people, contributed $156 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2024

With more than 8,200 members worldwide, the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) continues to serve as the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community, promoting a competitive, responsible and sustainable industry. More information about PDAC 2026 is available at the official website: pdac.ca.

WOrld Mining Congress 2026

Next big mining event is World Mining Congress 2026 between 24-26 June in Peru. We invite everyone to attend in this global mining event.