Toronto to Host Global Mineral Sector for PDAC 2026, March 1-4

Toronto, Feb 25, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community in Canada and beyond, is set to welcome the world's mineral exploration and mining professionals to its 94th annual Convention from March 1-4, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC).

Since its inception in 1932, the PDAC Convention has evolved from a modest gathering of Canadian prospectors and developers into the World's Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention. Today, it attracts an ever-growing international audience-typically exceeding 27,000 attendees from over 125 countries-for four days of high-impact educational programming, business development, investment opportunities, and unparalleled networking. The event serves as the industry's annual heartbeat, where deals are initiated, partnerships forged, innovations showcased, and the future direction of global mineral supply is actively shaped.

PDAC itself represents more than 8,200 members worldwide and advocates for a competitive, responsible, and sustainable mineral sector. The Canadian mining industry, which the association supports, employs over 724,000 people and contributed approximately $156 billion to Canada's GDP in recent years (per Natural Resources Canada data), highlighting its critical role in national and global economies.

This year's convention arrives at a pivotal moment for the sector. Global demand for minerals-particularly critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, rare earth elements, and others essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, batteries, electronics, defence systems, and infrastructure-is accelerating rapidly. Amid intensifying geopolitical competition, supply chain vulnerabilities, and efforts by governments to secure reliable sources (including recent international initiatives like critical minerals ministerial frameworks), the industry faces both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Precious metals prices remain at historic highs, further fuelling exploration investment.

"PDAC 2026 comes amid intensifying global competition to secure the minerals underpinning modern economies," said PDAC President Karen Rees. Rees, a seasoned geologist with a B.Sc. Honours in Geology from the University of Saskatchewan and over 37 years of experience in mineral exploration across Canada (including project management and board roles with junior exploration companies), brings deep industry insight to her leadership role. "At a time of accelerating demand, the convention is where leaders convene to advance projects, strengthen partnerships, and shape the future of the industry."

Reflecting robust international interest and the sector's momentum, PDAC 2026 will occupy the full Metro Toronto Convention Centre-spanning both the North and South buildings-for the most expansive setup in the event's history.

"PDAC 2026 will feature the largest trade show footprint in our history, with more than 1,300 exhibitors across the North and South buildings of the MTCC," Rees added. "That breadth gives participants a clear view of the projects, technologies, and ideas defining the sector."

Attendees will benefit from a comprehensive program, including:

Expansive Trade Show halls showcasing companies, technologies, and jurisdictions.

The Investors Exchange, Core Shack, Prospectors Tent, and Corporate Presentations for Investors for direct project evaluation and leadership engagement.

In-depth technical sessions, short courses, keynote presentations, and panels addressing key trends such as brownfield exploration, critical minerals strategies, responsible sourcing, geopolitical influences, sustainability, and innovation.

Networking events, including the Awards Celebration & Nite Cap, to honour excellence and foster new connections among industry leaders, investors, government representatives, Indigenous communities, students, and more.

Whether you're an explorer seeking partnerships, an investor evaluating opportunities, a policymaker tracking supply chain developments, or a student entering the field, PDAC 2026 offers unmatched access to the people, projects, and insights driving the global minerals agenda.

Registration is now open at pdac.ca/convention-2026. Plan your trip to Toronto this March-where the world's mineral future comes into focus.

Registration is available at pdac.ca/convention-2026.

About PDAC

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community, an industry that employs more than 724,000, and contributed $156 billion to Canada's GDP in 2024 (Natural Resources Canada, February 2025). Currently representing over 8,200 members around the world, PDAC's work centres on supporting a competitive, responsible, and sustainable mineral sector. PDAC 2026, our 94th annual convention, will take place in person in Toronto, Canada from March 1-4.

     

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