Mineral Exploration

PDAC 2026 will feature two technical sessions examining brownfield and greenfield exploration strategies. The brownfield session focuses on expanding resources around existing or past-producing mines, highlighting lower geological risk, faster timelines, and capital efficiency. Case studies include copper, gold, and IOCG systems in established districts. The greenfield session reviews recent discoveries and emerging districts, including gold, potash, copper-gold, and uranium projects. These presentations illustrate differing risk-return profiles, infrastructure requirements, and exploration economics. Together, the sessions demonstrate how brownfield extensions and greenfield discoveries both contribute to long-term mineral supply and reserve replacement across global jurisdictions. [more]

The Canadian Mining Hall of Fame inducted four industry leaders in 2026 for their long-standing contributions to mineral exploration, mining finance, and industry standards. Honoured at the annual induction ceremony in Toronto, the recipients were David Harquail, Don Lindsay, Catherine McLeod-Seltzer, and Gordon Garfield Morrison; executives, entrepreneurs, and exploration leaders whose work has influenced capital markets, governance frameworks, and major mineral discoveries. The event highlighted careers spanning royalty companies, diversified miners, exploration success, and industry leadership. Collectively, the inductees have helped shape modern mining practices, advanced responsible development, and contributed to the long-term growth and credibility of Canada’s mining sector. [more]

Canadian North Resources Inc (TSXV: CNRI) continues to advance its 100%-owned Ferguson Lake Project in Nunavut, Canada. The polymetallic resource includes copper, nickel, cobalt, palladium, and platinum, all key metals for the clean energy transition. A 2024 mineral resource estimate outlines 66.1 Mt Indicated and 25.9 Mt Inferred, including 1.093 billion pounds of copper and 678 million pounds of nickel in the Indicated category, with most of the resource mineable by open pit. Ongoing metallurgical and geophysical work supports further resource expansion. With over C$190 million in historical investment, the project is positioned as a potential joint venture or acquisition target as CNRI works toward future technical studies and project de-risking. [more]

At PDAC 2025, Fleet Space Technologies CEO Flavia Tata Nardini highlighted how AI, machine learning, and satellite technology could significantly accelerate and improve mineral exploration. Drawing parallels with space missions, she emphasized the importance of hiring data scientists and integrating cross-disciplinary datasets to stay competitive. With AI already helping reduce project timelines from months to days, she warned that mining companies risk being overtaken by tech firms if they fail to adapt. Fleet’s space-driven exploration technologies are also targeting lunar seismic mapping, further underscoring how Earth and space discoveries are increasingly interconnected. [more]

The mining investment landscape is shifting, and veteran investor Rick Rule sees opportunity. Speaking at PDAC, he emphasized that only a fraction of the 3,000 junior miners are worth investing in, urging investors to focus on management expertise, clear project objectives, and high-quality assets. He highlighted opportunities in Tier 1-bound deposits, high-quality producers like Agnico Eagle, and royalty and streaming companies. Rule also noted that single-asset producers are prime for consolidation as major mining companies seek growth. His core message: invest in quality teams, overlooked commodities, and projects with long-term potential despite prevailing market sentiment. [more]

At PDAC 2025’s Investment Leaders Forum, panelists discussed key strategies for investing in small-cap mining companies. Moderator Kai Hoffmann led a conversation with Robert Cohen of Scotia Global Asset Management and Willem Middelkoop of the Commodity Discovery Fund. They emphasized the importance of technical expertise, geopolitical awareness, and strategic risk management. Topics included emerging discoveries in gold, copper, and uranium, as well as the role of critical metals like antimony. With M&A activity increasing and geopolitical shifts impacting the sector, investors must remain adaptable. Their bottom-up approach focuses on exceptional discoveries and long-term value creation in the resource industry. [more]

The PDAC 2025 Convention, taking place in Toronto from March 2-5, features a keynote program covering four key themes: Commodity Outlook, Mining Industry Outlook, Technology & Innovation, and Discovery of the Year. Industry leaders, including BHP’s CEO Mike Henry and veteran investor Eric Sprott, will discuss the metals demand for 2050, trends in Canadian mining, and the impact of AI and satellite technology on exploration. The Discovery of the Year session will highlight the Onto copper-gold discovery in Indonesia. [more]

PDAC 2025, the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention, takes place March 2-5, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Registration is now open at www.pdac.ca/convention. The event will feature over 1,100 exhibitors, technical sessions, and networking opportunities. Highlights include the Investors Exchange, showcasing junior miners, producers, and prospectors, as well as keynotes on commodity and industry outlooks. Notable speakers include Eric Sprott (Eric Sprott Family Office) and Mike Henry (BHP Group). Programs emphasize advancements in mining technology, sustainability, and Indigenous partnerships, with opportunities for students and early-career professionals. [more]