Overview
As the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community, the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) represents more than 7,500 members, including a significant number of the 1,100+ public exploration and mining companies listed in Canada. PDAC’s work centres on supporting a competitive and responsible mineral sector. Its annual PDAC Convention in Toronto is the world's premier event for the minerals and mining industry, attracting more than 25,000 people from 135 countries in recent years.
The mineral industry plays a vital role in Canada’s transition to a low-carbon future. In order to create the technologies and materials required to power clean growth in the transportation and energy sectors, minerals and metals are imperative.
Innovation is essential to improving efficiencies in mineral exploration and extraction, as well as in reducing the impact of industry activity. Small nuclear reactors (SMRs) offer a GHG-free alternative to diesel and other energy sources, and have potential to support both industrial growth and the objective of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
The minerals industry is the largest private sector employer of Indigenous Peoples in Canada on a proportional basis. Furthermore, Indigenous communities are often well-positioned geographically to benefit both directly and indirectly from mineral exploration and development activity. The introduction of SMRs to northern and remote regions could generate additional highly-skilled job and community development opportunities. It is crucial that Indigenous communities are actively involved throughout consultation and decision-making processes regarding SMR applications in Canada.
PDAC aims to contribute to the SMR Action Plan and is supportive of the outlined Statement of Principles, including action items intended to develop Canada as a global leader in the SMR space. PDAC supports the SMR Action Plan’s vision of contributing to a low-carbon future and the commitment to ongoing engagement with Indigenous groups.
As the national voice of mineral exploration and development in Canada, PDAC will rely on the expert opinions of its Geoscience & Innovation and Indigenous Affairs Committees to provide feedback and knowledge in development of the finalized Canada SMR Action Plan.
Actions
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Solicit Expert Feedback From PDAC Committee’s
STATUS: UPCOMING
PDAC01
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 10, 11, 12, 15
ACTIONS
- PDAC will introduce and discuss the SMR Action Plan and Statement of Principles with the subject matter experts that comprise the PDAC Geoscience & Innovation and Indigenous Affairs Committees
EXPECTED RESULTS
- PDAC expects considerations surrounding the SMR Action Plan by expert committee groups will provide effective guidance and feedback on the SMR Action Plan within their respective areas of subject matter expertise
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Industry And Membership Engagement
STATUS: UPCOMING
PDAC02
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 10, 11, 12, 15
ACTIONS
- PDAC will develop appropriate outreach material regarding the SMR Action Plan to distribute to its members through various platforms such as social media and newsletters
EXPECTED RESULTS
- PDAC expects that targeted outreach will help educate members on the SMR Action Plan initiative, and provide opportunities to solicit additional feedback