Diamonds and global activity focus of PDAC convention

By all accounts, the 62nd annual convention of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) in Toronto was a success. With more than 3,000 delegates and in excess of 300 exhibitors, the event was both well-attended and more upbeat than in recent years.

In keeping with an ever-increasing international focus, the exhibits highlighted exploration for various commodities throughout the world. Winding its way through the crowded corridors of the Royal York Hotel, The Northern Miner noticed exhibits from countries such as Sweden, New Zealand, Greenland and Namibia — all of which added to the diversity of the convention.

The technical sessions and open forums gave delegates a chance to learn about exploration in these and other districts overseas.

Of particular note was the session on Peru. Miguel Carrizales, director-general of mining for the South American country, stressed how Peru is undergoing political and economic reform in the hope of reviving its once-thriving mining industry.

In contrast, the keynote session, entitled “Mining in Canada: Confrontation or Co-operation,” underscored differences of opinion among labour, government, aboriginal peoples and the industry, as regards mining. It was agreed that these differences are hindering both the mining industry and, on a larger scale, Canada’s ability to compete in the global market. The core shack displays provided most delegates their first opportunity to examine kimberlite samples from the Northwest Territories. Samples from Kennecott Canada, BHP Minerals Canada and Dia Met Minerals (TSE) were of special interest. In addition to diamonds, core from Sudbury Contact’s (TSE) Victoria Creek gold property and Kinross Gold’s (TSE) 1060 zone drew great attention.

Several social events, such as the annual awards banquet, the 10th annual Kirkland Lake night, the university alumni reunion and gatherings in numerous hospitality suites, provided opportunities for old friends to meet once again. Newfoundland Premier Clyde Wells was the guest speaker at the awards dinner. He spoke about the need to restructure his province’s economy to assist resource-based industries.

Following the premier’s speech, five awards were given to individuals who had made significant contributions to the industry.

Neil Hillhouse, formerly with Placer Dome (TSE) and currently president of Orvana Minerals (TSE), received the Bill Denis Award for Prospector of the Year.

Margaret (Peggy) Witte, president of Royal Oak Mines (TSE), was awarded the newly named Viola MacMillan Developer’s Award. It was renamed in honor of Viola MacMillan, a long-time supporter of the PDAC who died last year. In her acceptance speech, Witte admonished the British Columbia government for its lack of support for mining. Her comments drew a supportive response from the audience.

Two Distinguished Service awards were given, one to John Sullivan and the other, posthumously, to Walter Segsworth. The ceremony ended with Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting (TSE) receiving the Environmental Award.