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2026’S BEST MEMBER PHOTOS

INSIDE S-IMEW 2026

THE 2026 MCW AWARD

Q&A WITH ASHLEY JAY

FLIN FLON’S ZINC LEGACY

THE VOICE OF MINERAL EXPLORATION

FALL 2026

PREVIEWING PDAC 2027 PROGRAMMING, EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES AT THE WORLD’S PREMIER MINERAL EXPLORATION & MINING CONVENTION PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 1

CORE is produced by staff primarily located in Toronto, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Haudenosaunee, the Wendat, also known as the Huron, the Chippewa, the Anishnabeg and all other Indigenous nations that have lived on these sacred lands since time immemorial. As the voice of mineral exploration and development in Canada, PDAC is committed to reconciliation through respectful dialogue and the creation of meaningful and mutually-beneficial partnerships between First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and industry. We respect that as an industry that operates the world over, we engage with organizations and individuals far beyond these lands, and wish to acknowledge all Indigenous lands and peoples across the world, wherever you are reading this from and call home.

CORE FALL 2026

PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY PDAC’s Communications Dept. 800-170 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario M5H 3B3 Canada 416.362.1969 PUBLICATIONS EDITOR & DESIGNER Andy Stanleigh PUBLICATION DATE November 12, 2026 PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 2

PHOTO CREDITS Anatole Tuzlak PDAC Archives Used with permission CONTRIBUTORS Ariya Andrighetti Scott Barber Lynn Bodwell Jeff Killeen Florence MacLeod Krishana Michaud

CONTENT & FEATURES 4 PDAC IN THE NEWS

32 MEMBER INTERVIEW

8 GET READY FOR PDAC 2027

38 S-IMEW 2026 FEATURE

18 2026 MCW GEOSCIENCE AWARD

44 THIS MONTH IN HISTORY

Catch up on PDAC news, including the September Open House, fall advocacy and engagement, and the 2027 PDAC Awards recipients.

A first look at what’s ahead, from exhibits and programming to networking and new experiences at the World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention.

Meet Mary-Claire Ward Geoscience Award recipient Nicolas Gomez and learn about his fieldwork, research and career path.

Get to know Ashley Jay, an engineer and past PDAC Indigenous Youth and Early Career Ambassador, as she discusses her career, Tahltan heritage and environmental stewardship.

Go inside the Student-Industry Mineral Exploration Workshop, from hands-on field experiences and mine tours to technical presentations and alumni perspectives.

A century ago, advances in zinc processing and infrastructure unlocked the new town of Flin Flon’s mineral potential.

24 2026 MEMBER PHOTO CONTEST

See the winning images of mineral exploration and mining submitted by PDAC members from Canada and around the world.

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PDAC IN THE NEWS CANADA’S NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH & RECONCILIATION 2026 On Sept. 30, Canada observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day with dedicated programming in schools, public spaces, private gatherings and Canadian Heritagefunded events across the country. Established in 2021 and 2013, respectively, these observances are for reflection on and in recognition of the tragic legacy of residential schools and the continued effects they have on the nation’s Indigenous Peoples and communities. Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to recognize the importance of truth, learning and meaningful action in advancing reconciliation. PDAC acknowledges that reconciliation is an ongoing process built on trust, meaningful relationships and continued commitment. As the mineral exploration and mining sector is the largest private-sector employer of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the association continuously works to support the development of positive relationships between Indigenous communities and the industry. PDAC’s Indigenous Affairs Committee, whose members include Indigenous leaders with exploration expertise, helps to develop practical tools and best practice policy guidance for our members to encourage mutually beneficial partnerships. To learn more, visit pdac.ca/indigenousaffairs, and for more Government of Canada resources related to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit canada.ca. PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 4

There can be no reconciliation without truth. - Phyllis Webstad Fo u n d e r, O ra n g e S h i r t D a y

OCTOBER WAS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

ANNOUNCING THE 2027 PDAC AWARDS RECIPIENTS

In 1992, the federal government designated October as Women’s History Month to recognize women’s contributions throughout Canada’s history. For the mineral exploration and mining community, it is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and address barriers to their participation and advancement.

On Nov. 3, PDAC was honoured to announce its 2027 Awards recipients, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions to the mineral exploration and mining industry.

PDAC supports gender diversity and inclusion through its Driving Responsible Exploration program. Its Gender Diversity and Inclusion: A Guide for Explorers is a free resource for members and the wider industry, offering practical tools and case studies to help companies build more inclusive workplaces and strengthen community engagement. Among the women who opened doors in geoscience was Alice Evelyn Wilson, the first woman employed as a geologist at the Geological Survey of Canada. She became the first Canadian woman admitted to the Geological Society of America in 1936 and the first woman elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1938. Her research advanced understanding of the geology and fossils of the Ottawa-St. Lawrence region, while her determination to overcome professional barriers helped pave the way for future generations of women in geology.

Bill Dennis Award: Snowline Exploration Team – Valley Gold Deposit, for the discovery of the Valley gold deposit at the Rogue Project in the Yukon, Canada; Emerging Leaders Award: Antoine Caté, for advancing the integration of geology, data science and artificial intelligence in mineral exploration; Skookum Jim Award: Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, for advancing Indigenous-led assessment, stewardship and participation in mineral development; Sustainability Award: B2Gold – Otjikoto Mine Renewable Energy Transformation, for transforming the Otjikoto Mine’s energy supply through renewable power and local capacity building in Namibia; Thayer Lindsley Award: Pan American Silver – La Colorada Exploration Team, for the discovery of the La Colorada skarn deposit in Zacatecas, Mexico; and Viola R. MacMillan Award: Cupric Canyon Capital – Khoemacau Copper-Silver Mine, for financing and developing the Khoemacau Copper-Silver Mine in Botswana. The recipients will be celebrated on March 9, 2027 at the Awards Celebration & Nite Cap held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during PDAC 2027. For more information please visit pdac.ca/awards. PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 5

PDAC IN THE NEWS PDAC’S FOURTH ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE IN TORONTO SUCCESS A record of more than 110 members attended PDAC’s fourth annual Open House on Sept. 22, engaging with PDAC directors, committees and staff. Among those represented was Wesdome Gold Mines, which joined PDAC as a Class A corporate member that same week. Deborah Goss of Wesdome said the company appreciated the warm welcome and opportunity to meet PDAC and fellow members. “We learned about PDAC initiatives ranging from early-career programs to business development and strategic partnerships,” Goss said. Attendees also learned about programs from Mining Matters and the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) that help attract the next generation of talent. Laura Clinton, executive director of Mining Matters, welcomed the opportunity to connect with industry members and raise awareness of the organization’s education and outreach work across Canada. She also expressed gratitude for PDAC’s longstanding support. PDAC teams shared updates on their programming and policy work, including new videos and data on metal prices, financing and exploration expenditures. Members were able to register for an upcoming Driving Responsible Exploration (DRE) workshop, and learn about PDAC’s resources for students and early-career professionals. The event also featured the final vote to determine the winners of the 2026 PDAC Membership Photo Contest. Kevin Neyedley, the new chair of PDAC’s Membership Committee, said the gathering connected people across career stages and backgrounds. Prize draws closed the evening, with members winning PDAC 2027 passes, memberships and PDAC swag. PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 6

ADVOCACY & ENGAGEMENT ADVOCACY AHEAD OF BUDGET 2026

Throughout the summer and fall, the PDAC team worked to spotlight priorities of mineral explorers and developers ahead of the federal government’s 2026 budget. This included forming recommendations that aim to strengthen the conditions for mineral exploration and development in Canada, and delivering these calls to action through PDAC’s pre-budget submission in August. In late summer and into early fall, PDAC staff met with parliamentarians and officials from a number of different regions and departments, including Natural Resources, Finance, the Privy Council Office, Transport Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency as part of this advocacy work. PDAC brought its recommendations to a wider audience through a video series shared across social media and YouTube. The outreach also included an op-ed by PDAC President Karen Rees, “Canada wants $1-trillion in investment. Mineral exploration is where it starts” published in The Hill Times. MEMBER & INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT

The fall season brings a full schedule of conferences, career fairs and other industry events, providing opportunities for PDAC staff and representatives to

connect with members, students and the broader mineral exploration community across Canada. Engagements continue through the fall and into winter, while this update covers a selection from September through early November. PDAC’s Student & Early Career team participated in career fairs at the University of Toronto Scarborough and McMaster University, the Atlantic Universities Geoscience Conference in Fredericton, N.B., and the Level Up! Career Fair in Sudbury, Ont., where PDAC, Mining Matters and MiHR hosted the “Mining Needs You” booth. PDAC also participated in industry conferences, including the 51st Annual Exploration, Mining and Petroleum Conference in Fredericton, the Central Canada Mineral Exploration Convention in Winnipeg, Mineral Resources Review in St. John’s, N.L., and the Xplor convention in Montreal. Through keynote addresses and presentations, exhibits and member events, PDAC connected with members and industry representatives. See PDAC’s industry events page for upcoming events at pdac.ca/members/member-resources/ industry-events. PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 7

PDAC 2027 PREVIEW

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At a time of accelerating demand, the convention is where leaders convene to advance projects, strengthen partnerships and shape the future of the industry. - Karen Rees PDAC President

From March 7-10, 2027, attendees from across the world will once again experience PDAC’s award-winning annual convention, featuring engaging exhibits, industryleading programming, events, networking opportunities and more. Read more on the following pages about what’s in store for 2027’s world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention.

IMPORTANT DATES: Registration opens this December. pdac.ca/registration The early registration deadline is Feb. 12, 2027. The deadline to purchase tickets for the Awards Celebration & Nite Cap, Short Courses and more is Feb. 26, 2027. Onsite sales are subject to availability.

PDAC 2027 will also include many attractions, lounges, and improved services onsite to enhance your experience. Learn more at pdac.ca/convention/ services-onsite-2027 PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 9

1,346 EXHIBITORS IN 2026

32,155 ATTENDEES FROM

141 COUNTRIES IN 2026

812 PRESENTERS IN 2026

SAVE THE DATE! March 7-10, 2027 pdac.ca/convention PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 10

EXHIBITS PDAC 2027 will showcase another full slate of exhibitors from across the mineral exploration and mining spectrum.

| CORE SHACK Providing a unique venue for companies to display their core samples. Attendees can get up close to new or ongoing projects that are generating new exciting drill results. The latest discoveries from all corners of the Earth will be featured along with maps, charts and technical information. | INDIGENOUS ARTISANS An initiative aimed at showcasing the diverse work of incredible Indigenous artisans from around the country. | INVESTORS EXCHANGE Discuss investment potential with over 400 junior mining companies, mid-sized producers, major mining companies, financial institutions and prospectors to discover new business opportunities. | PDAC-SEG STUDENT MINERALS COLLOQUIUM (SMC) The SMC brings together geoscience students and industry professionals to highlight innovative student research on projects essential for the successful evolution of the modern mining industry. Students (BSc, MSc, PhD) working on projects linked to mineral deposits including mapping, mineralogy, geochemistry, geophysics, environmental and hydrogeology have the opportunity to share their research with an audience of academics and industry professionals. | PROSPECTORS TENT Get to the heart of the industry with a visit to the Prospectors Tent. Self-employed prospectors will be there to discuss their maps, samples and results. | TRADE SHOW & TRADE SHOW NORTH Visit over 800 exhibitors showcasing the world’s leading technologies, products and services, and meet government representatives from across the globe. This includes the Northern Ontario Mining Showcase (NOMS) – the largest pavilion at PDAC featuring over 110 exhibitors and interactive displays showcasing innovative products and services to help plan, build, maintain, and rehabilitate projects around the world!

Exhibit space is in high demand and is filling quickly. For more information and to apply, visit: pdac.ca/convention/exhibits PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 11

PROGRAMMING The annual convention hosts a wide range of presenters, industry experts and facilitators offering their knowledge, strategies, new concepts, case studies and more.

| CAPITAL MARKETS PROGRAM Access to capital is the lifeblood of the mineral exploration industry. This program creates a forum for dialogue on a range of topics related to the financing of mineral exploration.

| CORPORATE PRESENTATIONS FOR INVESTORS (CPI) This popular series features up-to-the-minute information on select exploration and development companies’ current activities and investment potential. This series continues to be of strong interest to investors, highlighting the scope of commodities and stages of development represented at the convention, including micro-cap companies.

| EXPLORATION INSIGHTS Exploration Insights will showcase research on new concepts and ideas relevant to our industry today. This series of highprofile technical and academic presentations will offer insight into current and topical subjects.

| KEYNOTE PROGRAM The Keynote Program features four themes designed to inspire and educate: commodity outlook, mining industry outlook, technology and innovation, and discovery of the year. Presenters will discuss new and exciting concepts and explore the compelling challenges of mineral exploration and development in 2026. The premium lineup will feature one prominent industry leader each day, culminating in the final keynote which will be given by the Thayer Lindsley Award recipient. PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 12

| INDIGENOUS PROGRAM Explore key issues in building cooperative, respectful and mutually beneficial relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the mineral industry. Presentations and panel discussions bring together Indigenous leaders, industry representatives and government to share perspectives on challenges, opportunities and approaches to working together. | INVESTMENT LEADERS FORUM Top newsletter writers and other professionals who inform investment decisions in the mining industry gather at this session to discuss upand-coming companies with investment potential, offer their opinions on what to expect from the markets this year, and suggest how to integrate investment in the resource sector into your portfolio. | MASTER CLASS SERIES Learn from industry leaders as they share key insights and case studies throughout this exclusive series of presentations.

PRESENTATION & RECEPTION ROOM PROGRAM Don’t miss these sessions – visit international mining jurisdictions and companies launching a product, hosting receptions, presenting a workshop or a special presentation.

| SHORT COURSES These are in-depth educational sessions led by presenters with expertise in a variety of subject matter. Sessions range from a half-day to two days in length. Short Courses are ticketed so purchase online – starting this December – before they sell out! | STUDENT & EARLY CAREER PROGRAM This program provides students and early-career individuals an unrivalled opportunity to connect with industry professionals from around the world. Learn about the diverse range of careers and attend engaging presentations to stay up to date on exciting industry developments. | SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM Join a facilitated multi-stakeholder dialogue and peer learning on key issues related to responsible exploration and mining. This program features presentations and conversations that examine the innovative ways in which mineral exploration and mining companies are working to improve their sustainability. Both challenges and successes will be presented, as well as lessons learned. | TECHNICAL PROGRAM Industry experts discuss current and emerging trends, technologies, research and analysis in a dynamic series of presentations. Presenters share their practical experience, insights and a look to the future. Topics include commodity outlook, critical minerals, geophysics, diamonds, technology and more.

For more information on the engaging programming scheduled for 2027, visit pdac.ca/ convention/ programming

Events and programming are subject to change.

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EVENTS & NETWORKING Don’t miss these valuable networking opportunities!

| OPENING CEREMONIES Join Karen Rees, PDAC President, and other special guests as we mark the official opening of PDAC 2027. | THE NETWORK: FORE! THE LOVE OF MINERALS Join us for an evening of putting, networking and beverages, and tee up for some friendly competition on the Golf Simulator, Golden Tee and Roll-A-Ball games. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who’s never stepped on the golf course, there’s something for everyone. Four $250 cash prizes will be awarded, so come on out and join the fun! Mulligans are encouraged. Connections are guaranteed. Wear your favourite golf attire and bring your competitive spirit. | CAFFEINATION STATION Be one of the first 1,000 attendees daily to enter Trade Show North and receive a free coffee or tea to enjoy as you stroll and visit the exhibitors. | COFFEE CONNECTIONS Start your morning in Room 401 with a complimentary coffee. It’s the perfect opportunity to fuel up while networking with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting. | SNACK SHACK Craving something sweet or savoury? Stop by the Snack Shack in Trade Show North to pick up your daily complimentary afternoon treat. | PDAC ONE ON ONE MEETING PROGRAM In partnership with Precious Metals Summit Conferences, PDAC offers professionally organized one-on-one meetings, which bring qualified investors together with companies’ senior management. This exclusive program is offered only to a select group of confirmed Investors Exchange and Core Shack exhibitors, as well as carefully screened, qualified investors and portfolio managers from around the world.

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| MINING FOR DIVERSITY Women in Mining Canada (WIMC) is pleased to host this annual awards ceremony and networking event. Celebrate the Trailblazer Awards Series winners, and network with other industry professionals.

| STUDENT-INDUSTRY MIXER This event provides an opportunity for students, earlycareer and industry professionals to network in a relaxed environment. The recipient of the Mary-Claire Ward Geoscience Award and the 2027 Student-Industry Mineral Exploration Workshop (S-IMEW) participants will be announced. Student members will be entered into a draw to receive one of five $500 tuition top-up awards. Student groups from Canadian post-secondary institutions can apply for travel funding to help cover the costs of getting to Toronto.

| AWARDS CELEBRATION & NITE CAP Join us for an exceptional evening of recognition, conversation and connections. Bringing together CEOs, investors, financiers, industry leaders, mining and exploration professionals from around the world, the event offers an opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements while engaging with the people shaping the future of the industry. Celebrate with cocktails and fine dining, enjoying the evening’s highlight: the presentation of the prestigious PDAC Awards including the inaugural Emerging Leaders Award. Then, meet the Awards recipients at the Nite Cap Reception and raise a glass.

| THE GREAT UNWIND FINALE As PDAC 2027 comes to a close, shift gears and enjoy a relaxed evening with colleagues and friends. Enjoy a new live band playing rock, country and pop hits. Grab a beverage, try your hand at games including ping-pong and darts, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere in your convention winddown best. The Great Unwind Finale is your chance to enjoy good company and end the convention on a high note.

More new events will be confirmed closer to the convention, including a new job fair.

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet fellow PDAC members and play an important role in guiding the association’s future at the Annual General Meeting.

PDAC 2027 will also host a number of invitation-only events, including the PDAC New Members Networking Reception, Life Member Luncheon, and S-IMEW Alumni Reception.

For a comprehensive list of PDAC 2027 events and networking opportunities, visit pdac.ca/convention/ events-networking

Events and programming are subject to change. PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 15

PARTNERS PDAC would like to thank all of our Convention partners for their valued contributions and support.

Limited sponsorship and marketing opportunities are still available for PDAC 2027. Maximize your brand exposure with targeted digital, print, and experiential marketing campaigns that will help your company stand out from competitors. Reach more than 32,000 attendees from over 140 countries, including key influencers and decision-makers from the banking, investment, government, mining, and education sectors. For more information, visit: pdac.ca/convention/partnership.

Get involved with PDAC 2027 as a volunteer or accredited media.

As the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention, [PDAC] is the perfect place to make new connections, form new partnerships and find ways of working together. - Stuart McCracken VP Exploration and Geosciences Teck Resources

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| MEDIA ACCREDITATION PDAC provides complimentary media passes to professional journalists who cover the mineral exploration and mining industry and/or capital markets for print, broadcast and online media. Apply today by visiting pdac.ca/convention/media-accreditation. | VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Save money and network with industry professionals at the convention. Volunteer your time in exchange for a complimentary All Access Pass, volunteer apparel, food vouchers, a gift card and a volunteer certificate. Visit pdac.ca/convention/ volunteers to apply today.

WHERE DISCOVERY MEETS OPPORTUNITY

SAVE THE DATE

MARCH 7-10, 2027

REGISTRATION OPENS THIS DECEMBER!

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THE 2026 MARY-CLAIRE WARD (MCW) GEOSCIENCE AWARD PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 18

The MCW Geoscience Award recipient for 2026 is Nicolas Gomez, from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

The MCW Geoscience Award proudly continues the legacy of Mary-Claire Ward, who passed away in 2004. Ward was a chair of PDAC’s Geoscience Committee, chairman of Watts Griffis McOuat, and past president of the Geological Association of Canada. The award’s goal is to help strengthen Canada’s geological mapping knowledge by supporting future geologists’ exploration of the geological history of Canada through field-based mapping programs.

Each year, one full-time graduate student is awarded a $5,000 bursary in partnership with the Canadian Geological Foundation, the Geological Association of Canada, the National Geological Surveys Committee and Watts Griffis McOuat. Since 2005, a committee of representatives from the MCW Award’s partner organizations has reviewed applications and evaluated recipients based on their academic excellence, the innovation demonstrated in their theses, and the potential of their research to advance mapping-based geoscientific knowledge in Canada. Gomez, this year’s award recipient, has been investigating the sedimentary, geochronological, and geochemical record of the Gaskiers Glaciation (589– 580 Ma) preserved in the Bonavista Peninsula, Avalon Zone, Newfoundland. His research aims to disentangle the climatic and tectonic controls that shaped the Ediacaran glaciogenic successions of West Avalonia, and to refine their temporal and stratigraphic framework through field mapping integrated with multi-proxy geochronology. PDAC recently talked with Gomez about his doctoral thesis work, what inspired him to begin studying geology and what he sees in the industry’s future for the next generation of geologists. Read our engaging Q&A with Gomez on the following pages.

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At what point in your life or education did you recognize geoscience was the career for you? Was it something you were always interested in, or did a specific course spark your interest? | Gomez: Geoscience has always been the career for me. In fact, I wanted to be a geologist from early childhood, and during my teenage years that interest only became stronger. Now I enjoy geoscience more than ever. I was always interested in science. Chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology were all subjects that caught my attention, but travelling, hiking, and discovering new places are also some of the things I enjoy the most. Fieldwork has always been one of my main motivations. Even during vacations, I often find myself thinking about geology and looking at the rocks and landscapes around me. For me, geology combines curiosity, observation and the outdoors, but also dedication, experimentation, interpretation and many other skills. That combination is probably what has kept me interested in it for so many years.

What prompted you to move from Colombia, where you completed your masters in geology, to Newfoundland, to pursue your PhD? | Gomez: After finishing my master’s degree, I actually did not want to start a PhD immediately. At that point, I wanted to expand my options, explore different professional paths, gain more experience, diversify my field background and save some money.

I wanted the opportunity to take ownership of a scientific problem and give all of my potential to solving it. - Nicolas Gomez PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 20

The years after my master’s opened a completely new world for me. I worked in consulting, and later for the Colombian government and I learned a lot from both experiences. After a few years, however, I realized that I was ready for another challenge. I wanted to learn more and I felt that doing a PhD would allow me to pursue some of the questions and ambitions I had carried with me since my undergraduate and master’s studies. I wanted the opportunity to take ownership of a scientific problem and give all of my potential to solving it. Then a friend sent me an advertisement for a PhD position in Newfoundland. When I read it, I realized that the timing was right and that this was the missing piece I had been looking for.

The MCW Geoscience Award continues Ward’s legacy of advocating for mapping programs that aim to strengthen our nation’s geological knowledge base. What did receiving this award mean to you, and how much of a role did field mapping play in your thesis? | Gomez: Receiving this award meant a lot to me. I have been working as a field geologist for more than 12 years, and fieldwork is one of the most rewarding parts of my life and career. Sometimes, when we move into more advanced analytical or office-based work, it can be easy to underestimate the importance of primary field data. For me, almost everything in geoscience starts with observations in the field. I see this award as recognition of the sacrifices, experiences and many days spent in the field throughout my career. It also allowed me to continue doing some independent fieldwork and to finance additional samples even after completing my PhD. I still enjoy doing independent research and going into the field simply because there are questions I want to understand. Fieldwork was the main component of my thesis. It was not only the foundation of my research, but really the core of it. My interpretations were based on field relationships, geological contacts, observations, and mapping, with more advanced analytical techniques built on top of that information. I spent many weeks, probably several months in total, doing fieldwork during my PhD. One of my three thesis papers was based almost entirely on field observations and mapping, while the other two built on the geological framework established by that work.

This year you attended the PDAC Convention for the first time. What influenced your decision to accept the MCW Award at the convention, and how would you describe your convention experience? | Gomez: For me, the PDAC Convention was a showcase of what comes next after education. It was a completely new world of opportunities and gave me a much better sense of how research and industry interact and work toward common objectives. I have never seen myself as being entirely on the research side. I have always been motivated

by practical applications of geoscience and by finding ways to bring scientific ideas into industry problems. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed applying science to questions ranging from mineral exploration to mining and production. The convention experience was incredible. The scale of it was difficult to imagine before attending. You could see how much investment, research, exploration, technology and economic decision-making comes together within the mineral industry worldwide. What impressed me most was the feeling that you were seeing the future happening in front of you and seeing how geoscience is helping shape that future. I also had the opportunity to connect with professionals, friends, researchers and other students. One of my goals now is to come back to the PDAC convention again, but next time representing a company and contributing from the industry side. For me, that would be another step in my professional evolution.

Can you describe how your thesis work or research could impact the mineral exploration industry? | Gomez: I see my research as similar to fieldwork in general: it provides part of the foundation needed for mineral exploration. In Canada, where much of the landscape has been affected by glaciation, mineral exploration often relies heavily on till and other surficial materials. These materials have played an important role in the discovery of many mineral prospects and deposits. My research combines glacial geology and surficial sediment observations with geochemistry and more advanced analytical techniques. The idea is similar to approaches already being applied in generative exploration programs, but my work focuses strongly on reconciling field observations with laboratory and analytical data. My thesis can therefore be seen as a case study showing a complete exploration workflow: beginning with observations of till and glacial sediments in the field, moving through geochemistry and mineralogical analysis, and

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ultimately using those results to help identify prospective areas and better understand mineral potential. For me, one of the most important aspects is that advanced analytical techniques are much more powerful when they are supported by a strong understanding of the geology on the ground.

Throughout your education and experience, what has been the most intriguing development in geoscience you’ve seen? This could be something specifically related to your work, or a general observation. | Gomez: One of the most intriguing developments I have seen in geoscience is how generative studies are becoming increasingly powerful tools for mineral exploration. During my internship last year with one of the largest mining companies in Canada, I saw how information from individual mineral grains could be used to evaluate the mineral potential of very large areas. I had previously worked with these types of minerals mainly to understand where sediments came from and how they were transported. Seeing the same kind of information used to help identify regions that may be more favourable for mineral deposits was fascinating to me. What impressed me most was how very small-scale observations, sometimes from individual mineral grains, could be combined across large datasets to answer much bigger geological questions. It showed me how techniques that are often developed through academic research can become practical tools for exploration. For me, that is one of the most exciting directions in geoscience: using increasingly detailed scientific information to better understand large regions and help guide where future exploration should focus.

As a graduate student now entering the field professionally, what advice would you give younger students who are looking at geoscience as a possible career? | Gomez: Geoscience is a career for people who are curious and passionate about understanding the Earth. One of the things I like most about it is the

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balance between the outdoors, laboratory work, data analysis, and office-based interpretation. You are always learning something different. Geoscience also has applications in many different fields, so your career does not have to follow only one path. You can move between academia, industry and government, and the knowledge and experience you develop in one area can often be applied to another. My advice to younger students would be to stay curious, take every opportunity to get into the field, and do not be afraid to explore different parts of the profession. Field experience, technical knowledge and the ability to communicate your observations are all important. Canada needs geoscientists, perhaps now more than ever. As technology continues to evolve, the minerals and raw materials needed to support that change have to come from somewhere. Geoscientists have an important role in finding those resources responsibly and in helping Canada understand and develop its own geological potential.

Applications for the 2027 MCW Award are due Dec. 15, 2026. The award is open to graduate students currently enrolled in a Canadian postsecondary institution. To learn about PDAC’s student support programs including, scholarships, bursaries, funding opportunities and more, please visit pdac.ca/financialsupport.

For me, geology combines curiosity, observation, and the outdoors, but also dedication, experimentation, interpretation and many other skills. - Nicolas Gomez

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2026 MEMBER PHOTO CONTEST PDAC’s exciting semi-annual member photo contest was held once again in 2026. This year, 125 national and international members sent us spectacular images of the mineral exploration and mining world. All of the entries were reviewed by PDAC staff with support from committee members, with 18 outstanding images being put to a final vote during the association’s September Open House in Toronto.

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The winning photos are displayed on the following pages, and the finalists all received prizes for their submissions, including swag bags, complimentary memberships and gift certificates.

FIRST PLACE | Kendra Girard and Kelly Girard-Perigny The Aurora Borealis illuminates Takwata Builders’ Crew C during their night shift at Agnico Eagle’s Detour Lake Mine in the Cochrane District of northeastern Ontario.

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SECOND PLACE | John Armstrong North Arrow Minerals’ President, John Armstrong captured this double-rainbow over the Kraaipan Gold Project’s mobile exploration camp following an unseasonal rainstorm.

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THIRD PLACE | Omid Mahabadi This dramatic setting shows the expansive nature of access tunnels in an underground salt mine beneath Lake Erie.

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HONOURABLE MENTION | Taryn Marshall During an exploration project on the Abitibi Greenstone belt in northern Ontario’s remote wilderness, a prime field lunch spot is not difficult to find.

All of the submissions received offer a unique glimpse into the people, places and experiences that define mineral exploration and development. Together, they showcase the dedication, innovation and sense of community found across the sector.

To learn more about membership benefits and how to join, see the next page and visit pdac.ca/members. PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 30

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MEMBER Q&A SPEAKING WITH ASHLEY JAY, PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER AND ONE OF PDAC’S PAST INDIGENOUS AMBASSADORS

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CORE had the opportunity to speak with Ashley Jay, Project Engineer at Skeena Gold & Silver. Jay is a Professional Engineer working in Canada’s mineral exploration industry and has a background in chemical engineering, with a career focus on water conservation and environmental stewardship.

As a member of the Tahltan Nation, Jay was also an ambassador for PDAC’s inaugural Indigenous Youth & Early Career Ambassador Program in 2025. Jay incorporates Indigenous values and best practices for community benefits into her work. In this interview, Jay talks about her professional training, challenges and inspirations.

| Can you share your journey into the exploration and mining industry and what inspired you to pursue this field? Jay: It was a bit of an unexpected start in the industry. I had a job lined up with an oil and gas company as a field engineer up in Grande Prairie that was supposed to start after I graduated from university. Unfortunately, I graduated during the uncertainty of COVID and my job offer was deferred for several months. I ended up looking on OnTrack, which is a Tahltan job board, and came across a core cutter position with Skeena Gold & Silver. There weren’t any specific qualifications required, so I thought, “What the heck, why not?” It would get me up into the Territory, and I figured it would be a fun job until my offer with the oil and gas company was back on the table. Honestly, though, in my heart I knew that job in Grande Prairie wasn’t where I was supposed to be. I felt this calling to work in Tahltan Territory, to connect with the land, my family and my community. Looking back now, I like to think it was my ancestors guiding me home.

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Well that temporary position with Skeena ended up changing the course of my career. After a couple of months, Skeena asked if I would be interested in joining their Tahltan Engineering Mentorship Program, which they had started earlier that year. This meant starting in a full-time position, which I had accepted. I am still currently working with Skeena, and throughout the past couple of years I have worked in different departments through the mentorship program. I am currently a registered Professional Engineer working on the projects team, and I focus primarily on water management infrastructure.

Good projects are not just about delivering the scope on schedule and budget. They are also about relationships, respect, listening to different perspectives, sharing knowledge and understanding that the decisions we make can have impacts far beyond the immediate project.

Something that started as a temporary job ultimately led me to a career that connected my engineering background with my journey to connect with my culture, the land and my family. I think this really speaks to the value of being open to all opportunities, even if they don’t necessarily follow the path you had initially planned out.

| How has the Tahltan Mentorship Program with Skeena Gold & Silver influenced your career development?

| How do Tahltan heritage and values shape your work in engineering and project management? Jay: Integrating our values as Tahltan people into the work I do as a project engineer is something that drives me and motivates me every day. We believe that belonging to the land comes with a reciprocal responsibility. “If we take care of the land, the land will take care of us.” Tahltan have five stewardship principles: Dahts’eni (kinship between all things), Edanosdih (respect for all kin), Sharing (acknowledging that the land is a gift that is shared by all), Ah’ī (consequences of bad reciprocity) and Kohtah (visiting the land, people and facilitating the act of storytelling). These principles are fundamental to our way of life and they guide how I approach my work. My passion and career focus have been closely tied to protecting the land and water, and I try to carry that responsibility into the engineering decisions I make. When working with consultants on a new project or design, I want stewardship to be considered from the beginning as part of the design basis, rather than something that is considered only after the technical decisions have already been made. PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 34

The work we do today can have impacts on the land, water and people for generations, so I feel a responsibility to think past the immediate needs of the project. To me, stewardship is about maintaining good relationships with the land, honouring our ancestors and making decisions for the future generations.

Jay: I would say it’s had a substantial impact on my career development. It allowed me to strengthen my connection to my culture, community and the land, while also gaining experience in many different aspects of the mining industry. Through the program I was exposed to exploration, environment monitoring, project feasibility studies, environmental assessments, permitting, engineering and community engagement. Overall, I would say it really helped to broaden my understanding of a whole project lifecycle. One of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to work closely with the community and see the importance of meaningful engagement and relationship building. The program not only helped shape my career path but also reinforced the importance of bringing Indigenous perspectives into the project.

| In your opinion, why is Indigenous participation so crucial for mineral exploration and mining to be successful in Canada? Jay: Indigenous Peoples have lived on and cared for these lands for generations. We have a deep understanding of the land, the water, the wildlife and the importance of stewardship. When we are involved in the decisionmaking process for the project, that knowledge and connection to the land can help ensure the development is carried out in a way that is respectful to the land while creating long-term benefits for future generations. Representation is also incredibly important. Seeing Indigenous professionals working in engineering, geology, environmental sciences and leadership roles can inspire Indigenous youth to see themselves in these careers and recognize that their voices and perspectives are needed in the industry. By increasing Indigenous participation we not only strengthen projects through local knowledge and stewardship, but also empower future generations to help shape a mining industry that is more sustainable, inclusive and reflective of the communities it impacts.

| What advice would you give to Indigenous youth interested in pursuing careers in engineering or the mineral industry? Jay: My advice is to stay open to opportunities and not be afraid if your career path looks different from what you originally planned. Some of the most rewarding experiences can come from unexpected opportunities, and the mining industry offers a wide range of career paths, from engineering and environmental management to operations, community engagement and leadership. I also want Indigenous youth to recognize the value of the perspective they bring. Our communities have deep connections to the land, and our voices are important in shaping how resource development occurs. The industry needs Indigenous participation not only to create opportunities for our people, but also to ensure that Indigenous values, knowledge and stewardship are represented in decision-making. Don’t underestimate the impact you can have. Your voice, your experiences and your connection to your community are strengths that can help drive positive change in the industry.

One of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to work closely with the community and see the importance of meaningful engagement and relationship building. PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 35

| What did you gain from participating in PDAC’s Indigenous Ambassador Program and how has it shaped your perspective on the industry? Jay: Being from B.C. and working in Tahltan Territory, my perspective on Indigenous participation in the mining industry had been shaped by my own experience with the Tahltan Nation. They have developed strong teams and systems to ensure that development in the Territory reflects and respects Tahltan values and principles. Since that was the only environment I had worked in, I realized through the program that I had been a bit naive about what the experience looks like for other Indigenous communities across Canada. Hearing about some of the concerns and challenges that Nations are facing with exploration and development really opened my eyes. It made me recognize how much progress has been made, but also how much work still needs to be done, and that every Nation faces unique circumstances and there isn’t a single solution to approaching meaningful relationship building. At the same time, having that exposure to what other companies and organizations are actively doing to advance Indigenous participation within the industry was very encouraging, especially hearing about the different approaches, partnerships and relationships that have been built over many years between industry and the communities. Overall, it reinforced that reconciliation isn’t just about consultation or checking requirements off a list. It’s about building genuine relationships, listening, learning from one another, creating meaningful opportunities and making space for Indigenous knowledge, values and perspectives throughout the life of the project.

| What initiatives do you think are important for increasing Indigenous youth engagement in the exploration and mining sector? Jay: I think exposure and providing access to opportunities at an early stage should be considered. Initiatives like PDAC’s Indigenous Youth and Early Career Ambassador program, and similar to that, the Tahltan Nation brings youth delegates on trips to industry events like PDAC’s Convention. These

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initiatives help our youth see first-hand the variety of careers available in the sector. These experiences can also help break down some of the barriers or preconceived notions that exist around mining by providing a better understanding of the industry’s role and the opportunities it offers. Many youth are not aware of the wide range of career paths available to them in exploration and mining. Another important factor is recognizing and addressing the barriers that many Indigenous youth face, particularly those from remote communities. Access to education, training and career development opportunities often requires moving away from home and leaving behind family, culture and community support systems. While the mining industry alone cannot solve these challenges, creating awareness and understanding of these barriers is an important first step. Meaningful progress will come from the industry, governments, educational institutions and Indigenous communities working together to create pathways that are more accessible and supportive. Whether through scholarships, mentorship programs, communitybased training, work experience opportunities, or increased access to education, these initiatives can help Indigenous youth pursue careers in the industry without feeling disconnected from their communities and values.

| Have you encountered any professional challenges in your career, and if so, how have you navigated them? Jay: One challenge that has stood out throughout my career has been establishing credibility as a young Indigenous woman in engineering, especially in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Early on, there were times when I felt I had to work harder to earn the same level of trust and respect as some of my peers. Over the past couple of years, I’ve learned that respect is built through consistency, following through on commitments and building strong relationships. I’ve focused on showing up prepared, listening to experienced colleagues, asking questions and contributing wherever I can add value. Those experiences have helped me grow not only as an engineer, but also as a leader and advocate for diversity within the industry.

These principles are fundamental to our way of life and they guide how I approach my work.

As an Indigenous professional, I also recognize the importance of representation. Seeing more women and Indigenous people in engineering and mining leadership roles helps create a sense of belonging and encourages others to pursue these careers. While challenges still exist, I believe the industry is moving in a positive direction, and I am proud to contribute to that progress while helping create opportunities for the future generations.

| How can the mining industry better integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into best practices and decision-making? Jay: I think the first thing is to recognize that Indigenous knowledge is not separate from science, but rather a different way of understanding and observing the world. Many Indigenous communities have generations of knowledge about the land, water, wildlife and environmental changes that have been passed down through storytelling. They should not be dismissed as simply “stories” or discounted because they are qualitative rather than quantitative. There’s this concept called Two-Eyed Seeing, which was developed by Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall, that teaches us to view the world through one eye with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and through the other eye with the strengths of Western science, and then braid both together. In doing so, we enrich scientific understanding with cultural relevance, lived experience and ethical depth. The observations of Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community members can help identify trends, concerns and priorities that may not be immediately visible through technical studies alone. By incorporating those insights into measurable project criteria and design considerations, companies and consultants can make more informed decisions that reflect the land and the communities connected to it. Ultimately, meaningful integration happens when Indigenous perspectives are brought into conversations from the beginning and treated as knowledge systems with equal value. When we combine traditional knowledge with technical expertise, we create better outcomes, stronger relationships and more sustainable approaches to exploration and development.

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S-IMEW SPECIAL FEATURE 2026 IN 2026 PDAC GAVE GEOSCIENCE STUDENTS A HANDS-ON LOOK AT THE BROAD RANGE OF CAREERS, REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MINERAL INDUSTRY

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From April 29 to May 14, PDAC’s Student-Industry Mineral Exploration Workshop (S-IMEW) hosted geoscience students and early-career professionals from across Canada for its 17th edition. This feature explores the field activities, technical presentations and networking events the cohort experienced, along with alumni perspectives on the program’s lasting impact.

THE EXPERIENCE Since 2007, S-IMEW has helped geoscience students from across Canada gain practical experience and build connections in mineral exploration. The program is driven by S-IMEW Planning Committee volunteers and PDAC staff, who work together to develop hands-on learning opportunities and bring industry experts into the classroom and the field. This year, Ashley Kirwan from Orix Geoscience led a session prior to the Welcome Reception at Dynamic Earth. Her session “Rethinking Networking: Authentic Connections, Real Opportunities” helped students build the confidence and skills to connect with presenters throughout the workshop and develop lasting professional relationships. New sessions this year included “Core Today, Data Forever; Integrating Geological Data into Mining Decisions” by Agnico Eagle’s Amanda Baker and Jessica Prince. Shaun O’Connor, who is also a 2009 S-IMEW alum, presented “Applications of AI in Geology.” Another new presenter for 2026 was Tania Poehlman from In Good Standing, whose session “Land Management and Mineral Tenure” gave students insight into the rights and responsibilities involved in mineral exploration, while Carla Petahtegooses presentation “Community Engagement” spoke to the importance of building respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and other communities where exploration work takes place.

The most valuable part of S-IMEW has been exposure to things that you don’t normally see in the classroom. These are things that are very, very important to the mineral exploration industry that a lot of people don’t learn about until they hit the workforce. - Sydney Brimicombe Mount Royal University PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 39

The sessions draw on the presenter’s expertise, their passion for students, the industry and the desire to give back through the program. For example, during the Welcome Reception, the keynote speaker, Scott Berdahl, CEO of Snowline Gold, gave a heartfelt talk about growing up prospecting with his father. Similarly, other presenters during the workshop reflected on their experiences in the sector and as past S-IMEW participants. Taylor Haid from VRIFY, Conor McKinley from Onyx Gold, Chris BeckettBrown from KoBold Metals, and April Belecque, the first female mine rescue officer in Ontario, from Ontario Mine Rescue, all gave inspiring presentations about their career journeys. These in-class presentations are an engaging and dynamic portion of every S-IMEW experience, and they cover a wide range of topics each year. What sets S-IMEW apart, however, is its practical curriculum that takes students into the field for geophysical survey demonstrations, geochemical sampling exercises, exploration mapping, core logging, underground mine tours and more. The field trips for this past year included underground mine tours of the Young Davidson and Macassa Mines, regional geology tours with James SumaMomoh from the Ontario Geological Survey, outcrop visits in Cobalt, a core presentation and drill site visit with Gold Candle (now Cadillac Mines), as well as other off-site visits and events, including a new experience at the Errington Metals VMS project viewing outcrops and core, and a mineral estimation exercise.

GIVING BACK S-IMEW is privileged to have alumni return year after year to continue its mission of providing students with expert-level programming. Beyond their industry-specific knowledge, returning presenters offer students practical perspectives, lived experiences and a deeper understanding of the sector in which they will build their careers. Returning is a meaningful way for alumni to give back and reconnect with the excitement they felt when they were first selected to participate in the Workshop. For Christopher Beckett-Brown, PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 40

who came to S-IMEW as a student 11 years ago, attending the workshop was one of the core memories from his undergrad years. He recalled that his undergraduate program focused more on theory, while S-IMEW provided the missing link between the classroom and the practical world of mineral exploration. “S-IMEW was my first real experience to the breadth and depth of mineral exploration and the vast potential career paths available,” Beckett-Brown said. Grant Hagedorn, who attended S-IMEW a decade ago, remembered the presenters he met as a student and how they helped shape his career path. “Coming into S-IMEW I wasn’t a geologist, I had a GIS, remote sensing, physical geography background, but the experiences during the course and the people I met as a result really showed me that there are so many facets to mineral exploration,” he said. “The key was just to find my niche and follow it.” He added that he continues to apply lessons from the two-week event in his work. Both Hagedorn and Beckett-Brown, who have been volunteering for S-IMEW since 2022 and 2023, respectively, fondly remembered the friendships they formed and the wider exploration community they connected with through the program. Those experiences inspired them to return as presenters and mentors for future explorationists. “I was beyond excited when given the opportunity to give back to such an important part of the PDAC student program and help inspire the next generation of mineral exploration students,” Beckett-Brown said. Hagedorn said he was also eager to support S-IMEW in “any way possible,” from leading sessions to attending the opening and closing nights where he connects with students and offers the encouragement he once received. “SIMEW has such a strong sense of community within it that really captured me,” Hagedorn said. “For that community to continue it needs people to give back, and as someone who gained so much from the experience, I feel a sense of responsibility.”

Hagedorn helped lead a group during the Ontario Geological Survey bedrock mapping day, and cohosted the popular Geochemistry Day with Beckett-Brown. Hagedorn remembered how the professionals running Geochemistry Day when he was a student at S-IMEW were generous with their time and efforts in the program, and even continued to provide career guidance for him over the years. “It’s a real honour to have it pass into Chris and I’s hands now that they’re retired. We try and maintain the standard that they set for us,” he said.

Everybody is just so excited to meet you and to talk to you and to talk about your experiences and share what they’ve learned. And it seems like it’s there’s just this lifelong journey of learning and new experiences and bringing that forward with me into my career is something that I’m absolutely going to do. - Calliope Lochrie University of British Columbia Okanagan

For Beckett-Brown, creating the new exploration game for Geochemistry Day was a highlight. The exercise splits the students into four teams that compete to “find a mine” using surficial geochemical data. Teams stake prospective sites, survey and analyze results. They even attempt to raise funds from a mock investor to finance drill holes, with the goal of getting closest to the most valuable deposit. Beckett-Brown, who developed the game with Hagedorn, said its “goal is to simulate as close to the exploration process as possible, but with a bias towards surficial geochemistry. Exercises like these are unfortunately something students never experience, before having to do it for real, so our goal is for students to learn from the inevitable mistakes they will make doing the exercise, which puts them in a better spot with more knowledge as they go off in their careers.” Preparing students for careers in mineral exploration through practical experience is central to S-IMEW. The opportunity to help students succeed and pass on the support they received keeps Hagedorn and Beckett-Brown coming back. Beckett-Brown credited long-serving volunteers such as Beth McClenaghan with inspiring him to give back. He first learned from her as a S-IMEW participant and had the opportunity to work with her years later during his PhD. “Beth goes above and beyond with the material and time she invests into her volunteering and it shows,” he said.

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“This is one of the core reasons why I continue to volunteer at S-IMEW, I hope to have a similar impact on a future student.” Hagedorn said the advice and encouragement he received from S-IMEW’s volunteers and mentors inspired him to give back.“It was always clear that the goal was to make me a better geoscientist and I’m much better off for it,” he said. “They have been a great sounding board for scientific ideas and possibly career path decisions now that I’m working.” Beckett-Brown said seeing S-IMEW participants grow and build successful careers motivated him to keep volunteering. Returning each year gives him a chance to reconnect with the exploration community. “It’s not always easy to connect with people as our lives seem so busy, yet when May comes around it’s great to reconnect with so many incredible people,” he said.

The 18th annual StudentIndustry Mineral Exploration Workshop (S-IMEW) will return to Sudbury May 5-20, 2027.

It’s those connections and those relationships that you build here that are going to carry you through your career. - Jaeden Reggler Barrick Mining

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To participate, geoscience students must be nominated by their departments. Each geoscience department in Canada can nominate up to two students. To learn more about the workshop and access the 2027 nomination package, please visit pdac.ca/s-imew.

More than 100 sponsors and industry professionals contribute to PDAC’s ongoing mission of promoting skills development and introducing emerging talent to the wide range of careers in the minerals sector.

| IN-KIND SPONSORS Abitibi Geophysics Agnico Eagle Alamos Gold ALS Analytical Solutions Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Cadillac Mines Chibougamou Diamond Drilling Earth Ex Geophysical Solutions Equinox Gold Errington Metals Evolution Mining Exiro Minerals ExMin Consulting Exploration Services Geological Survey of Canada Geoscience North Glencore Hornfels Consulting In Good Standing Kenorland Minerals KGHM

Knight Piésold Consulting Laurentian University Magna Mining Major Drilling Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) Mine Rescue Ontario Novaminex Ontario, Ministry of Energy and Mines Ontario Securities Commission Onyx Gold Orix Geoscience Osisko Metals OTD Exploration Services Proforma Adam Promotions Qualitica Consulting Resourceful Geoscience Solutions Ronacher Mackenzie Geoscience Snowline Gold SPC Nickel Teck Resources Vale Base Metals VRIFY Willeson Metals PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 43

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY: THE ZINC LEGACY OF FLIN FLON

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More than a century ago, a major copper-zinc discovery put the town of Flin Flon on the map, but new processing technology and infrastructure were needed to unlock its potential.

THE DISCOVERY In 1910, the discovery of gold near Amisk Lake, Sask., drew prospectors to this remote area on the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border. One such prospector, Tom Creighton, moved to the nearby town of The Pas, Man., in 1914 and began exploring the area with his associate David Collins, a Métis trapper and guide. Collins led Creighton to the Ross Lake region to show him a series of rocky outcroppings with mineral potential. Instead of the gold, however, the pair discovered a major copper-zinc orebody. Creighton and his associates staked claims to the deposit, and drilling confirmed that it also contained gold, silver and other metals. Development of the deposit followed in the newlynamed town of Flin Flon, but full-scale production was still years away. Creighton is credited with giving Flin Flon its name, reportedly after the main character in sci-fi author J.E. Preston Muddock’s The Sunless City: From the Papers and Diaries of the Late Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin.

SHIPMENT OF RAILWAY MATERIAL ENTERING FLIN FLON, MAN., TO BUILD AN EXTENSION OF THE CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY

Yet the ore’s complex composition and the site’s remote location posed major challenges to development. At the time there was no hydroelectric power available, and the nearest railway was almost 140 kilometres away. These obstacles called the deposit’s economic viability into question.

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PRODUCTION & REFINEMENT In 1916, an electrolytic plant began processing lead-zinc ore in Trail, B.C. During the First World War, zinc produced at the facility helped address a critical wartime shortage in the United Kingdom. Against this backdrop, investors and the Manitoba government continued to pursue the potential of the Flin Flon deposit. However, Flin Flon’s complex copper-zinc ore presented different processing challenges from the lead-zinc ore treated at Trail. Extensive testing was needed to determine how it could be treated economically. In 1925 and 1926, samples of the ore were sent to plants in Colorado for testing, including at a pilot mill built to experiment with different treatments. These tests helped establish a viable processing approach. But a commercial operation would also require hydroelectric power and improved transportation to the remote site. With these encouraging results, the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting (HBMS) company was formed in 1927 to operate the Flin Flon mine. That same year, the Manitoba government guaranteed bonds to help finance the Canadian National Railway to connect Flin Flon with other facilities and regions. The rail line was completed the following year, and construction of a hydroelectric plant soon began at nearby Island Falls. At the same time, a larger concentrator, smelter and new electrolytic refinery using the technology successfully piloted in Colorado were built. And by November 1930, full-scale production had commenced.

THE LEGACY The Second World War and the manufacturing boom that followed made zinc a highly valuable commodity, elevating Canada as a leading producer and exporter of refined zinc. In 1967 the country was the world’s leading producer of this mineral, and zinc has been mined in nine of Canada’s provinces and territories.

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In the decades that followed, Canada remained one of the world’s leading zinc producers, supplying markets across the globe. Zinc is widely used to galvanize steel, protecting it from corrosion in construction, appliances and auto manufacturing. The protective coating extends the life of steel products and reduces maintenance needs. Zinc is also used to make alloys such as brass, which is used in plumbing fittings. It can also be recycled without losing its chemical or physical properties and helps protect the steel used in electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines and other infrastructure. Zinc is an essential nutrient for human health, used by over 200 enzymes in the body. Zinc oxide is used in sunscreens to protect against ultraviolet radiation, and it is also added to fertilizers to increase crop yields. Advances in mineral processing at Flin Flon played an important role in Canada’s emergence as a major global zinc producer.

The Second World War and the manufacturing boom that followed made zinc a highly valuable commodity, elevating Canada as a leading producer and exporter of refined zinc.

Together with investments in rail access and hydroelectric power, they helped transform a remote discovery into a major mining operation, illustrating how exploration, innovation and infrastructure can come together to unlock Canada’s mineral potential.

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DIRECTORY OFFICERS Karen Rees PRESIDENT

Lisa McDonald EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Scott Parsons FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Maria Milanova SECRETARY

Conrad Dix SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

James Lusby TREASURER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rosario Astuvilca-Rojas INCLUSIVE MINING

Mary Ann Mihychuk GOSSAN RESOURCES

Charles Beaudry STARDUST METAL CORP.

David Murray RESOURCEFUL GEOSCIENCE SOLUTIONS

Kurt Breede SCOTIABANK MaryAnn Crichton HATCH LTD.

Scott Parsons ALAMOS GOLD

Conrad Dix AGNICO EAGLE

Valerie Pascale MODERN CORE

Lana Eagle CONSULTANT

Karen Rees INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT AND DIRECTOR

Siri Genik BRIDGE© Anne Johnson QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY Roger Lemaitre HOMELAND URANIUM CORP. Jessie Liu-Ernsting FIREFLY METALS LTD. Terry Lynch POWER METALLIC MINES INC. Stuart McCracken TECK RESOURCES LIMITED

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Kevin Neyedley UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Rob Stevens PAKAWAU GEOMANAGEMENT INC. Jeff Swinoga ICG SILVER & GOLD LTD. Kerem Usenmez VOLTA METALS LTD. Mary-Carmen Vera INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT AND DIRECTOR Valerie Wilson SLR CONSULTING (CANADA) LTD.

STAFF Ariya Andrighetti MANAGER, CONVENTION James Apel COORDINATOR, STUDENT & EARLY CAREER PROGRAM Scott Barber DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS Gillian Blakey COORDINATOR, CONVENTION EXHIBITS Amy Buchanan MANAGER, CONVENTION EXHIBITS Lynn Bodwell CONVENTION MARKETING LEAD Curtis Byron WEB COORDINATOR

Serena MacDonald ANALYST, CRITICAL MINERALS, GEOSCIENCE & INNOVATION, HEALTH & SAFETY Florence MacLeod MANAGER, MEMBER ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH Ran Maoz ANALYST, TAX POLICY & CAPITAL MARKETS Lisa McDonald EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Krishana Michaud SENIOR MANAGER, STUDENT & EARLY CAREER PROGRAM Maria Avramova Milanova SECRETARY, DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS & HUMAN RESOURCES Raven Mulcaire OFFICE ASSISTANT

Ines Carpinteiro SOCIAL MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Andrea Murdoch EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Shanti Chary DATABASE COORDINATOR

Alissa Nardini COORDINATOR, CONVENTION EXHIBITS

Christy Clough COORDINATOR, CONVENTION

Sarah Nazar MANAGER, CONVENTION PROGRAMMING

Sandra Doig COORDINATOR, MEMBERSHIP

Joshua Opolko IT COORDINATOR

Lynda Joyet SENIOR MANAGER, CONVENTION EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP

Maureen Owens COORDINATOR, CONVENTION PROGRAMMING

Madina Kaytmazova MANAGER, IT & ADMINISTRATION Sonali Khatokar COORDINATOR, CONVENTION PROGRAMMING Jeff Killeen SENIOR DIRECTOR, POLICY & PROGRAMS Nicole Kulp ANALYST, SUSTAINABILITY Amit Kumaria MANAGER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Vinukshan Pathmanathan COORDINATOR, ADMINISTRATION & OFFICE SYSTEMS Addison Pennie COORDINATOR, STUDENT & EARLY CAREER PROGRAM Nicole Sampson SENIOR DIRECTOR, CONVENTION Steve Shapka ANALYST, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Andy Stanleigh PUBLICATIONS EDITOR & DESIGNER Patricia Tucci COORDINATOR, CONVENTION EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP

Joan Marilyn Leslie CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

Petrona Tulloch STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Romika Leslie COORDINATOR, SPONSORSHIP

Stefanie Wolf MANAGER, CONVENTION OPERATIONS

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CORE THE VOICE OF MINERAL EXPLORATION FALL 2026 PDAC CORE | FALL 2026 | 50

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