The mining sector conference will once again be held in person, and will include a mission organized by CCBC

By Sérgio Siscaro

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention, considered to be the main event for mining activities, will be held live, this June, between the 13th and 15th, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, in Toronto, and in virtual format, on the 28th and 29th. This return takes place after two years of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic; moreover, the event date breaks the tradition of the event, which has always been held in the first quarter.

The Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC) will again be present at the PDAC, through a delegation of Brazilian companies seeking partnerships and business in the Canadian market. And it couldn’t be otherwise; after all, the importance of the mining sector for trade exchange between Brazil and Canada has consistently increased over the years.

In 2021, Brazilian mineral exports to Canada increased 9% compared to the previous year, totaling US$ (FOB) 3.653 billion. And this trend continues to be confirmed in 2022: according to Quick Trade Facts (QTF), a study developed by CCBC based on trade balance data, the three largest categories of products shipped to Canada in the period (calcined alumina, gold bullion and gold) accounted for 65% of the total value of exports, reaching US$ 741.37 million (FOB) in the first quarter.

Business Opportunities

This exchange is relevant not only for the good results it brings to the Brazilian trade balance, but also as a factor for attracting foreign investments. For this reason, CCBC’s program during the PDAC will not be limited to visiting the event, but will also encompass other activities aimed at increasing the sector’s business. One of them will be the participation in a seminar on investments, which will be promoted by the financial services company TMX Group, which controls the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV).

The mining sector is one of Canada’s most important, accounting for 5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2020, being one of the most significant in the country’s capital markets. The specialized index, the TSX Global Mining Index (TXGM), trades papers from 104 companies operating in the sector.

Its importance was recognized by Brazil in March 2020, when a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Brazilian Mining Institute (Ibram) and the TMX Group, with a view to increasing investments by Canadian mining companies and the greater participation of Brazilian companies in the sector in the Canadian capital market. Last year, the Toronto stock exchange had already listed 36 Brazilian companies, and the country was already the third largest, behind Mexico and Peru.

The return to PDAC

In this return to the conference, CCBC will also promote discussions on sustainability in mining operations – a theme in which Canada has accumulated positive experiences that can be applied in Brazil. In addition, meetings with potential Canadian business partners will be organized with the participants. A Chamber representative will accompany the delegation during the visit, in order to provide support and facilitate contacts with local companies; and in parallel, the CCBC team in Brazil will remain on hand to provide any support that may be required.

More information about the PDAC event can be found at https://www.pdac.ca/convention.