Mexico Returns to PDAC After Five Years of Absence

After five years of absence, Mexico will once again have representation at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) event in Toronto, Canada. Looking to regain momentum in promoting Mexico as an attractive destination for mining investments, Mexico Business has partnered with key mining players to bring the 2024 edition of the Mexico Mining Forum (MMF 2024) to PDAC. 

Amid a scenario of changing policies and proposals, it is key for companies to show the strength of the Mexican mining sector in the global scenario, agree experts. Mexico's last national participation at PDAC was in 2019 when the country organized the Mexico Mining Day. The theme for that year was "Mining Beyond Simple Sustainability," and it was organized by the Ministry of Economy (SE) through the Subsecretariat for Mining. During this event, the Subsecretariat led a team that included the General Directorates of Mining Development and Mines, the Mexican Geological Survey (SGM), and the Mining Development Trust (FIFOMI). Mexico Mining Day’s main objective was to strengthen Mexico's position as an investment hub in mining exploration in Latin America and globally. The event also worked as a platform to enhance the promotion of the country's latest mining projects.

Despite efforts to maintain Mexico's national participation at the event, the results were not as successful as before. Now, MMF 2024 is the result of close collaboration between Mexico Business and key mining players to regain the spotlight amid a wave of uncertainty surrounding the sector. 

Industry insiders believe that not having nationwide representation sends the wrong message to investors. “Mexico is a big mining player. We are in the midst of a race for minerals and you do not want to lose the train,” said Armando Ortega, President, CANCHAM’s Mining Task Force and one of MMF 2024’s panelists. 

The main objective of MMF 2024 at PDAC is to foster discussions and explore the opportunities that Mexico offers to the mining industry. The event will focus on understanding Mexico's reality and sharing successful endeavors taken by companies already operating in Mexico, with discussions driven by high-level speakers including Peter Megaw, Chief Exploration Officer, MAG Silver; Javier Reyes de La Campa, Founder, Luca Mining; Ben Chalmers, Senior Vice President, Mining Association of Canada (MAC); Tony Makuch, CEO, Discovery Silver; Dean McPherson, Head of Global Mining, TMX Group; and Alfredo Phillips, Director, Almaden Minerals, among other important figures in the mining industry. 

Communicating that responsible mining is possible is also paramount. For this reason, fostering discussion around ESG initiatives is a must at this high-level mining conference. The forum will host important mining companies with successful ESG approaches like Torex Gold, represented by its CEO, Jody Kuzenko, along with Chafika Eddine, Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), Orla Mining, and Keneth MacLeod, President and CEO, Sonoro Gold. 

MMF 2024 will also feature the participation of local government representatives, including Sonora’s Minister of Economy, Margarita Vélez, and Chihuahua’s Undersecretary of Economy, Fernando Alba. Jaime Gutiérrez, President, CAMIMEX, and Karen Flores, Director General, CAMIMEX, will participate, representing the mining association. This diverse participation underscores the importance of collaboration from both the private and public sectors, as well as associations, to keep the mining sector strong.

Restoring Mexico's participation in international forums like PDAC will be crucial in regaining the country's position as one of the most important mining countries in the world, agree event participants. This venture will also be key for Mexico to be recognized as a global ally in supplying the minerals needed for the energy transition and the creation of better economic opportunities within the country.