Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada

2010 Industry Partnership Award

The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada represents the interests of the mineral exploration and development industry in Canada and abroad. Its mandate is to protect and promote mineral exploration and to ensure a robust mining industry. The association also encourages the highest standards of technical, environmental, safety and social practices.

The PDAC is supported by its individual prospectors, geoscientists, consultants, mining executives, government officials, students and people working in the drilling, financial, legal and other supporting fields. The association's corporate members comprise major and mid-size producing companies, junior exploration companies, and organizations providing services to the industry. Some 27 percent of these members reside outside Canada. Experienced industry veterans serve as volunteers on the board of directors and committees.

Since its formation in 1932, the association has grown in size and stature. The PDAC International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange has developed into the world's largest annual mineral industry convention. This leading event, renowned for its technical excellence, business development and networking opportunities, and investment resources, today attracts a worldwide attendance.

PDAC advances conditions that will further mineral exploration and the discovery of new mineral wealth. These advocacy activities involve informing governments, institutions, and communities of interest about the economic and social contributions of the industry and by representing the industry in consultations, meetings, missions, and forums. Additional advocacy areas include: aboriginal affairs; corporate social responsibility; environmental issues; finance and taxation; geosciences; health and safety; human resources and student affairs; international issues; land access and mining regulations; and securities regulations.

The association's latest major initiative is "e3 Plus: A Framework for Responsible Exploration", containing corporate social responsibility principles and guidance for exploration companies. Recommended practices in social responsibility; environmental stewardship; and health and safety are provided in online toolkits.

Other popular programs include an aboriginal toolkit, created to inform communities about exploration and mining practices; "PDAC Mining Matters", a resource to help primary and secondary teachers with curriculum development about the importance of minerals in their everyday lives; a mineral exploration workshop to give university geoscience students practical exposure to the mineral exploration industry; business insurance specially tailored to the needs of the mineral industry; and annual awards that celebrate excellence and achievement in the mineral industry.

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