The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) annual convention was held in Toronto, Canada, earlier this month, March 3rd – 6th. Eleven IMQS Corporate Members travelled from Ireland to participate at the annual conference including Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG), Tara New Boliden, Dalradian, QME, Irish Drilling, BRG, Golder, Equity Exploration, Mincon and CDE; the international arms of Epiroc, Sandvik and CAT were also present. Galway-based Priority Drilling demonstrated its innovative Zero-Trip Wedge which allows for greater efficiency in drilling.
The Irish delegation was led by Sean Canney TD, Minister for Natural Resources. On Sunday, March 3, Ireland formally joined the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF). The IGF is a voluntary partnership that welcomes member states of the United Nations and the agreement was signed by Minister Canney .
On Tuesday, March 5th, Geoscience Ireland and Enterprise Ireland hosted its “Ireland – Open for Business” forum where a number of IMQS Members including GSI, Tara Boliden, iCRAG, QME, Irish Drilling, Golder and CDE presented to the 100+ delegates in attendance. The forum was opened by HE Jim Kelly, Ireland’s Ambassador to Canada; Matt Collins, Assistant Secretary Dept. Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE), delivered the keynote address.
Ireland has had a presence at PDAC since 1989 and the Exploration & Mining Division of DCCAE has had a joint display with Geological Survey Northern Ireland (GSNI) since 1999. The “Ireland – Open for Business” forum was first delivered in 2016 and, now completing its fourth year, continues to work closely with GSNI and Invest Northern Ireland in promoting the island-of-Ireland as a destination for mineral exploration and as a source of high-calibre professional services and contracting companies.
