This annual gathering brings together companies, professionals, organizations, and stakeholders to “dig” into what is next in the mining industry.
This year’s Keynote Program centers on four major themes: Commodity Outlook, Mining Industry Outlook, Technology & Innovation, and Discovery of the Year. Each session tackles pressing issues and potential breakthroughs shaping mining and exploration in 2025.
Keynote 1: Commodity Outlook – Sunday, March 2, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Topic: “Building the world of 2050”
Speaker: Mike Henry, CEO, BHP
By 2050, the global population could hit 10 billion. That’s a lot of people needing homes, infrastructure, and energy. Which means a massive demand for metals like copper, iron ore, and potash. But where will all that supply come from? Mike Henry will share how BHP is positioning itself to keep pace with infrastructure expansion, energy transition, and food security needs.
Keynote 2: Mining Industry Outlook – Monday, March 3, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Topic: “Current Issues and Opportunities in Canadian Mining”
Speaker: Eric Sprott, CEO, Eric Sprott Family Office
Canada is a mining powerhouse, but the industry is shifting. Eric Sprott, one of the most influential investors in gold and silver, offers his take on where things are going. He’s been through booms and busts, so expect insights into investment trends, changing regulations, and the impact of global markets. He’ll also discuss how companies and investors can adapt to market swings and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Keynote 3: Technology & Innovation – Tuesday, March 4, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Topic: “End-to-end: Space and AI’s path to radically narrow exploration search space”
Speaker: Flavia Tata Nardini, Co-founder & CEO, Fleet Space Technologies
Exploration is getting an upgrade. Satellites, AI, and real-time 3D imaging are making mineral discovery faster and more precise. Flavia Tata Nardini, CEO of Fleet Space, breaks down how these technologies work together to change how we find and extract resources. From AI-enhanced data processing to satellite-enabled geophysics, expect case studies showing how companies are using these tools to cut costs, shorten exploration timelines, and reduce environmental impact.
Keynote 4: Discovery of the Year – Wednesday, March 5, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Topic: “The Onto Cu-Au discovery, Sumbawa, Indonesia: A world-class, grassroots discovery of covellite-pyrite mineralization in a lithocap environment”
Speakers: David Burt, Geoscientist, Cobre Nuevo Exploration; Bede Evans, President & Director, PT Sumbawa Timur Mining
The Onto Cu-Au deposit in Sumbawa, Indonesia, is a rare grassroots discovery and one that wasn’t on anyone’s radar until the first deep drill intercepts hit in 2013. David Burt and Bede Evans will walk through the story, from the first hints of mineralization to the most recent resource estimates. They’ll also share what’s next for the project and how this discovery could reshape the copper supply in Southeast Asia.
Final Thoughts
The keynote speeches provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. From supply chain crunches to new tech and landmark discoveries, there’s plenty to talk about. Attendees are encouraged to attend these sessions in order to gain a better understanding of the sector’s future direction.
All keynote sessions will be held in Room 701. If you miss one, recordings will be available online for attendees with an All Access Pass.
For more details, visit: pdac.ca/convention-2025/programming-2025/keynote-program-2025
FIGURE 1: PDAC 2025 Keynote Speakers
