The world’s largest gathering for the mineral exploration and mining sector wraps up today in Toronto, as the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) concludes its four-day convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

The annual event, widely considered the global hub for the mining and exploration industry, drew tens of thousands of attendees from around the world for investment meetings, technical sessions, and high-level policy discussions about the future of mineral supply chains.

Held March 1–4, the 94th annual convention once again filled the convention center’s North and South buildings with more than 1,300 exhibitors and hundreds of presentations covering exploration technology, capital markets, and the growing demand for critical minerals.

More than 27,000 attendees from over 125 countries typically attend the event, including investors, geologists, mining companies, government officials, and equipment suppliers.

Critical Minerals Take Center Stage

One of the dominant themes at PDAC 2026 was the intensifying global race to secure critical minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy, defense systems, and advanced electronics.

During the convention, Germany and the Canadian province of Quebec signed a joint declaration and several corporate agreements aimed at strengthening supply chains for materials such as lithium, graphite, and rare earth elements.

The agreements included partnerships between companies like Rock Tech Lithium and Siemens Canada, as well as collaborations involving scandium and copper developers—signaling growing international competition to secure reliable mineral supplies.

The deals underscored the broader message heard throughout the conference: mineral exploration is becoming increasingly tied to energy security and industrial policy.

Trade Show and Investor Activity

Much of the activity at PDAC takes place on the convention floor.

The event’s sprawling trade show and Investors Exchange give exploration companies an opportunity to showcase projects and connect with potential investors. Core samples displayed in the popular “Core Shack,” along with presentations and prospectors’ exhibits, allow companies to highlight new discoveries and exploration results.

Technical sessions throughout the week covered topics ranging from exploration geology and financing strategies to emerging mining technologies and sustainability practices.

Networking events, including the PDAC Awards Celebration and Nite Cap, also brought together industry leaders and newcomers alike to recognize achievements across the sector.

A Global Industry Gathering

Since launching in 1932, the PDAC convention has grown into the largest annual gathering of the mineral exploration industry.

Today the event serves as a major meeting point for dealmaking, partnerships, and industry discussion as companies and governments navigate growing demand for metals needed for electrification and infrastructure.

As PDAC 2026 concludes today, many participants are already turning their attention to exploration projects, financing decisions, and policy developments that were shaped during the week’s meetings in Toronto.