July 18, 2019

Addressing Canada's declining mining competitiveness
At the 76th annual EMMC conference in Cranbrook, B.C., Mines Ministers were urged by the Canadian Mineral Industry Federation (CMIF) to take action to ensure Canada remains a globally competitive jurisdiction that can continue to attract mineral investment. The recommendations are organized under the six strategic directions identified in the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP).

Nominate someone today
Annual PDAC Awards honour outstanding achievements in the Canadian and international mineral exploration and mining industry. Nominations for 2020 are now open. Learn more about award categories and the nominating process. The deadline to apply is September 13.

Submit a proposal for PDAC 2020
We are accepting proposals for sessions that will make up the PDAC 2020 Capital Markets Program. The program creates a forum for dialogue on a range of topics related to financing and access to capital; the lifeblood of mineral exploration. Send proposals to [email protected]. Deadline extended to August 4.

Amendments proposed to ETA
Finance Canada proposed amendments to the Excise Tax Act (ETA) in May, coming on the heels of a prior proposal and consultation process in mid-2018. Amendments address a 2018 recommendation by PDAC to maintain the current "related test" for companies operating through subsidiaries. PDAC submitted another letter to Finance, highlighting the mineral industry's concerns with the current proposal.  

Help PDAC with study research
PDAC has extended the date to submit a proposal for a research project to analyze investor dynamics within Canada’s mineral exploration industry. The project will examine the investor base over time to identify trends and underlying factors that have influenced activity. Send proposals to [email protected]. 

Deadline extended to August 4.

Innovation in exploration
PDAC has extended the date for contractors to submit a proposal to develop the Innovation in Exploration Case Studies review. Our goal is to convey the scope of innovations as envisioned, and the related path undertaken to facilitate implementation into active operations. Can you help?

Take the Canadian Mineral HR survey
You're invited to participate in PDAC and MiRH's 2019 Mineral Exploration HR Survey. Share insight and help mineral exploration employers attract, recruit and retain diverse talent. Results will help determine strategic priorities for human resource development in Canada's mineral exploration industry. Respondents could win an All Access Pass to the PDAC 2020 Convention or an iPad.

Science & Tech Internship Program
Up to $20,000 is available to companies that hire young persons (<30) in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the natural resources sectors: energy, forestry and mining, earth sciences, and clean technology.

See how Skeena Resources utilized the grant.

MineSafe Risk Management Program
International SOS provides medical and travel security support to companies who work in unfamiliar and remote locations. They conduct project risk assessments and design programs that include executive training, procedures and policies to protect companies, employees and project sites, as well as having access to a team of dedicated medical and security professionals in over 90 countries. PDAC members receive a free consultation.

Have you seen our Gender Diversity and Inclusion Guide?
Our Gender Diversity and Inclusion Guidance was created to assist junior exploration and mining companies improve their gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community setting. Visit our website for more information and download your free copy today!

Site rehabilitation project
Fonds Restor-Action Nunavik (FRAN) was created in 2007 to address abandoned exploration sites in the Nunavik region. In 2018, the agreement was extended to allow for work to continue until 2022 and PDAC has committed resources to support this important initiative. Read the 2018-2019 report on the Nunavik Abandoned Mineral Exploration Site Rehabilitation Project.

Efforts to reduce or eliminate tailings
In support of advancing progress towards developing new technologies and practices that create alternatives to conventional wet tailings storage facilities, and reducing risks associated with existing ones, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is conducting a survey to identify prospective and applicable technologies to reduce or eliminate them. Submit surveys by July 26.