Toronto Mining Convention Underscores Africa’s Strategic Position in Global Resource Race.

Participants engage in discussions at the PDAC convention, focusing on investment and sustainability in the mining industry.

Discussions at PDAC focus on investment, sustainability and ensuring communities benefit from mineral wealth.

TORONTO, March — African nations drew significant attention at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto, where industry leaders, investors and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of global mining amid rising demand for critical minerals.The conference, considered the world’s largest mining investment event, focused on exploration technologies, financing models and policy reforms aimed at supporting responsible resource development as countries position themselves for the energy transition.Interviews conducted during the convention highlighted Africa’s growing role in global mineral supply chains and the potential for increased participation by young professionals through skills development and innovation initiatives.Speakers said industry forums such as PDAC are increasingly serving as platforms for broader discussions on energy security, sustainability and economic development beyond traditional investment promotion.

A discussion at the PDAC convention highlights the integration of Indigenous communities in mining activities, showcasing voices from the industry. Photo Credit: Yasin Mohammed

Dr. Venance Mwasse, managing director of Tanzania’s State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), said discussions during the opening sessions emphasized the importance of including Indigenous communities in mining value chains.“There was strong emphasis on ensuring Indigenous communities are included in mining activities,” Mwasse said. “Historically, communities where resources are extracted have often received limited benefits. The discussions highlighted integrating them into value-chain activities so they can share in the value created from these resources.

”Yasin Mohamed, founder of Sauti za Africa, a community-based radio station broadcasting from Waterloo, Ontario, said Canada’s approach to Indigenous consultation offered lessons for the global mining industry.“The Canadian experience demonstrates the importance of community buy-in and respect for treaty rights,” Mohamed said, adding that many mining projects worldwide generate substantial profits while limited economic value remains in host countries.He noted that raw ores are often exported for refining abroad, where value is added before entering global markets, while local workers frequently remain in labor-intensive and higher-risk roles.Africa’s visible participation at the conference underscored the continent’s increasing strategic importance as demand grows for minerals essential to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and emerging technologies.

Msimulizi is now on the Whattsup Channel. Click here