Little did I know what was in store for me as I embarked on my journey to become the President of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada.
Who could have imagined the events of the last couple of years: a global pandemic necessitating a virtual convention in 2021, followed by a last-minute change of dates in 2022 to ensure we could host a successful in-person event – in June no less!
Last year we celebrated an amazing 90 years of PDAC representing the industry in Canada. I would like to personally thank all the members for their continued loyalty and support, ensuring that the organization delivers the necessary support to its members, and the convention continues as the world’s premier exploration and development event.
When I first attended this convention many years ago, I was young and enthusiastic. But, as a geologist just starting out, I had no idea how much I did not know about this great industry. Now it is humbling to be on the verge of my 36th PDAC Convention – and as President – which is a great honour for me. This will be my final year as president, and I look back with pride on the work PDAC has initiated and completed during my 10 years on the Board of Directors. Through my tenure, I have had the opportunity and pleasure to connect personally to members, corporate sponsors and supporters of the minerals sector and mining industry. I will value these connections for years to come.
Through all this time, PDAC has worked with industry, partners, Indigenous communities, and government on critical issues related to sustainability, land, capital, people, infrastructure and governance. PDAC continues to proactively engage on issues across a broad range of priorities to maintain a healthy and competitive Canadian mineral exploration and development industry that operates responsibly in Canada and around the world.
Today the global mining industry is experiencing unprecedented change. The industry quickly recovered from the challenges faced in 2020: rising commodity prices, equity financings and global exploration activity through 2021 and 2022 has all been through the backdrop of working to support the energy transition needed in the world’s race to net zero. This shift requires more mining, not less. Resourcing the energy transition will demand innovation and flexibility in our approach to ensure we can supply the critical minerals and raw materials needed to support this transition sooner, rather than later.
Mining is a high-tech industry with a strong underlying focus on communities, environment, and sustainability. PDAC has – and will continue to – work closely with our partners and stakeholders to provide perspective on how minerals and mining are inextricably linked to the future of this great planet.
I look forward to welcoming everyone to the 91st annual PDAC Convention this March! I enjoy seeing both familiar and fresh faces on the floor. It’s a great opportunity for those acquainted with PDAC, but also for new members attending their first convention to connect, learn and develop relationships and partnerships, for today and tomorrow.
Alex Christopher
President, PDAC