Issue link: http://resourceworld.uberflip.com/i/807573
A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 7 www.resourceworld.com 5 Editor's Comments Ellsworth Dickson Ellsworth Dickson, Editor-in-Chief Email: editor@resourceworld.com T: 604 484 3800 | 1 877 484 3800 S till smarting from the four-year downturn in the mining sector, those in the mineral industry at the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada's (PDAC) 2017 Convention in Toronto were hopeful and optimistic about the cur- rent recovery, but not too excited. Aware that the mining sector tends to run in cycles, company officers were wary about making mistakes such as too high burn rates or pay- ing too much for projects. The conference was very successful with 24,161 attendees – a strong indica- tion that confidence has returned to the mineral exploration and mining indus- try. The annual PDAC Convention – the world's largest industry event – attracted investors, analysts, mining executives, prospectors, geologists, government offi- cials and students. "The mineral exploration and mining industry is cyclical in nature and has faced a variety of economic challenges over the past several years, but optimism has always remained and it's fantastic to see this being reflected at the PDAC Convention," said PDAC President Glenn Mullan, refer- ring to sold out exhibitor space, investor meetings, Short Courses, Mineral Outlook Luncheon, and Awards Gala. "There was an upbeat vibe throughout the conven- tion – a positive sign for the sector going forward." PDAC, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, hosted the International Mines Ministers Summit (IMMS) for the second year, bringing together 25 Ministers responsible for mining from around the world. The event, hosted at BMO, provided an important setting for the global mining community to explore challenges and opportunities affecting the industry. This year's Summit focused on innovation in the mining industry and the clean innovation agenda. "PDAC is seen as the voice of respon- sible mineral exploration and mining, not only in Canada but also abroad," said PDAC Executive Director Andrew Cheatle. "We must continue to build strong work- ing relationships, both nationally and internationally, and the PDAC Convention is the best opportunity to make these connections and showcase our industry and its importance to social-economic development." The Honourable Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, announced the renewal of the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC) for one year, along with the maintenance of the flow- through share system. Overall, over 20 Parliamentarians attended including three Cabinet Ministers. Regarding the Goldcorp and Integra Gold #DisruptMining competition, the winners were announced on March 5 at the PDAC Conference. The competition was designed to encourage innovative, even revolutionary, ideas that would advance the mining sector. Cementation of North Bay, Ontario was declared co-winner along with Kore Geosystems of Toronto, which will share in a $1-million prize for a proof-of-concept idea that will have real-world applications in the mining industry. Cementation presented its idea for injec- tion hoisting technology, which uses a combination of existing and proven crush- ing, pumping and slurry technologies to eliminate the need for mine shaft produc- tion hoisting or trucking, by transporting ore to the surface using a pump driven pipeline loop. Cementation also won the People's Choice award, adding another $50,000 to its total prize winnings. Kore Geosystems developed a method of installing instruments on drill rigs to provide real-time, automated high quality data inputs. In that way, timelines can be accelerated for multiple mining stages and decision making. The competition received 153 submis- sions. n Optimistic but not overly exuberant at PDAC 1.888.228.1234 • www.geotechdrilling.com Welcoming Tahltech Drilling Services Ltd., a partnership between the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation and Geotech Drilling Services Ltd. Drilling Services for BC's Northwest!