Minister Ng meets with mining sector leaders at Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention
News release
March 3, 2025 - Toronto, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, today attended the annual convention of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) to talk trade, investment, and sustainability.
While at the convention, Minister Ng was joined by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, to meet with senior mining industry representatives, including members of the Mining Association of Canada, to discuss trade diversification; the green economy; environmental, social and governance leadership; responsible business conduct; resilient supply chains; and diversity and inclusion in the Canadian mining sector.
The Minister also took the opportunity to attend the PDAC trade show, engaging with representatives of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, including mining supply companies, to hear their perspectives.
Minister Ng met with senior representatives of BHP and discussed the new $14-billion Jansen Potash Mine project, east of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which is set to go into production next year. The Jansen mine is poised to become the world’s largest potash mine. They also talked about additional investment opportunities in the mining sector, including in critical minerals. She also spoke with the Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, at gold producer Calibre Mining Corp., about the company’s production and exploration operations, including in the United States and Nicaragua.
Minister Ng also had the opportunity to meet with senior executives from the Philippine delegation to PDAC, including the Executive Director of the Philippine Board of Investment, with whom she underscored the benefits of partnerships in the mining sector.
Quotes
“The PDAC convention was a terrific opportunity to showcase Canada as a global mining leader. Canada will continue to work closely with our trade partners around the world to create more opportunities for investment and collaboration in Canada’s innovative and responsible mining sector, paving the way for a cleaner, energy-secure future and prosperity for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”
- Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
“Mining plays a critical role in driving sustainable economic growth and facilitating the green energy and digital transition. Canada continues to be a leader, working with our partners to ensure that developing countries and communities can participate in and benefit from the entire value chain of their natural resources. The work done this week at PDAC will help advance partnerships and innovations toward a greener, more just and sustainable future for all.”
- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
Quick facts
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The PDAC convention is the world’s largest and most important international mining industry gathering, attracting approximately 30,000 people from 130 countries each year.
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In 2023, Canada’s minerals sector directly and indirectly accounted for 711,000 jobs across the country and directly and indirectly contributed $159 billion—6%—of Canada’s total nominal GDP.
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In 2023, the value of mineral production totalled $72 billion. Canada produces 60 minerals and metals at 200 mines and thousands of sand and gravel pits and stone quarries.
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In 2023, minerals and metals sector exports accounted for around 20% of Canada’s total merchandise exports, with 56% of mineral commodities exported to the United States.
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In 2023, the minerals sector invested $23 billion in new capital construction and in machinery and equipment, accounting for 7% of total non-residential capital investment in Canada.
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In 2023, publicly traded Canada-based companies had mining and exploration assets of $336 billion. About 2 thirds of these assets (valued at $220 billion) were located abroad.
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Minister Hussen will deliver opening remarks at the 26th African Mining Breakfast and 23rd Investing in African Mining Seminar, on March 4, 2025. He will engage in various bilateral meetings to promote Canada’s international assistance initiatives in the resource sector.
Associated links
Contacts
Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
343-575-8816
Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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