The Canadian Mining Expo (CME) has been promoting Northern Ontario mining operations, junior mining, supply & service companies, education and training institutions, investment information, new trends and technology and the inclusiveness of First Nations in mining for the past 30 years.
The tradition continues as everything that is mining will be on display June 7 and 8 at the McIntyre Community Complex in Timmins, Ontario during the CME 2023. The McIntyre Complex includes two arena facilities (one skating and the other a curling rink) an Auditorium, Ballroom, Restaurant, Breakout Rooms, the Lion’s Den Lounge along with a large outdoor space for large equipment and pavilions. Timmins is one of Northern Ontario’s only facilities capable of hosting such a large event.
To celebrate Timmins’ mining legacy and to welcome CME 2023, the City of Timmins has declared June 3rd to 9th as Mining Week. The CME 2023 is where the mining world comes to explore.
Timmins is in the heart of Canada’s golden region, along the Golden Highway, better known as the Abitibi-Greenstone Belt that stretches from Val D’or Quebec, through Kirkland Lake, to Timmins and Gogama and west to Chapleau, Wawa, Marathon and beyond.
“With the announcement of Canada and Ontario’s critical minerals policies we are entering a new golden era of mining along the Golden Highway – the Abitibi Greenstone,” said Glenn Dredhart, president of Canadian Trade-Ex, the hosts and lead organizers of the event.
“We’re excited, the industry is excited, and Timmins is excited,” Dredhart said.
Gold mining has been the backbone of the Golden Region’s success, but important shifts and developments are taking shape in the Golden Region that will guide the next 100 years of mining.
Gold mining continues to expand, with ever-increasing gold exploration projects and gold mine openings. The exploration for electric vehicle battery minerals has grown widely with the planned elimination of gasoline-driven cars. The demand for electric car battery materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements has skyrocketed. By 2026 it will be more difficult to purchase a brand-new gas-powered car from a dealership. By 2035, it is predicted you will no longer have the option to buy a new-gas-powered car from a dealership.
Northern Ontario and Quebec will become the Electric Superhighway Region kicking off the next golden era in the Golden Region. The importance of this generational transformation in mining has been noted by many including U.S. President Joe Biden.
“We’ve learned the hard way, “stated US President Biden in a press conference recently. “When we rely on just-in-time supply chains that circle the globe, then we are significantly vulnerable to disruptions and delays.”
“This drives up costs and shortages both here in the USA and in Canada,” President Biden noted. “We are both feeling the disruptions he went on to say.”
Biden continued by saying, “but there is a better way as our two nations are blessed with incredible amounts of natural resources. Canada has large quantities of Critical Minerals that are essential for a clean energy future, for the worlds clean energy future.” The President concluded, “I believe there are incredible opportunities to work together so Canada and the United States can source and supply here in North America everything we need.”
“As this multi-generational opportunity occurs, CME will lead the way in promoting working in harmony with not only our neighbors to the south but our First Nation communities and the elders from these communities in where these discoveries are occurring. As protectors to the land, they hold a lot of pressure, and we should be grateful and respectful for what they have done and do to protect this land,” Dredhart stated.
The CME offers a broad range of activities, information and knowledge for the mining and supply companies, educators, job seekers, new technology, changes in government legislation and regulation, development in Indigenous communities in mining.
Visitors and participants from around the world attend the CME to learn about mining and the mining supply services sector. In the past CME has been attended by global delegations from India, Germany, Peru, Korea, and Africa just to mention a few participating countries. The expo attracts exhibitors from all over the world.
The Canadian Mining Expo is the premier mining trade show in Ontario with over 400 indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces one can expect to see the latest innovations in mining and exploration. Delegates from all over the world make this event their number one destination every June. It is a boots on the ground type of event that is supported by the mining communities that surround it.
There are many activities to whet one’s appetite while attending the event. One of the trade show highlights is the onsite demos where you can see it, touch it and talk to the manufacturing reps on site that build it.
The Canadian Mining Expo has partnered with the Far Northeast Training Board and their partners to host the largest Mining Career Fair in Canada with over 60 companies hiring. The mining industry is anxious to meet with career seekers during the event. Bring your resumes to the show and your registration is free and you are eligible to win 1 troy ounce of gold. Your name is entered into the big draw during the event. Once you enter the trade show grounds you must go to the registration desk upstairs in the Auditorium and the JOB HUB will assist you in your job search. This portion of the expo is called Explore Your Options in Mining. On the website you can see the list of exhibitors on the Job Board and the positions they are hiring for.
New this year is the First Nation’s Partnerships & Critical Minerals Forum. Come meet with and hear from the Critical Minerals developers, active juniors and their First Nation Partners. Learn about the world class projects that will help fulfill the demand for critical minerals. Meet with government officials, industry leaders, the Minister of Mines and Indigenous leaders and organizations that have fostered profitable and sustainable business partnerships. Wabun Tribal Council will be moderating and providing a presentation on a successful partnership model that works for the communities they serve. Partnerships such as the Chief Marcus Hardy of The Red Rock Indian Band and Justus Veldman from BMI Group are just one of many that will be presenting. They will be speaking to their capacity and community-building work that advances both First Nations interests and the development of infrastructure and supply chain solutions for the mining industry in the North.
This years Projects in the Pipeline Conference will feature Canada’s largest gold producers and the Minister of Mines, George Pirie will be giving the Ontario State of Mining Address. Iamgold’s Côté Gold Mine, Agnico Eagle’s Detour Mine & Macassa Mine, Equinox Gold’s Greenstone Mine, McEwen Mining’s Stock West project, Moneta’s Tower Gold Project, Wesdome Gold’s growth potential, Gowest Gold’s path forward, Galleon Gold’s push to production, GFG Resources drilling the Timmins Gold Camp and more will be presented this year. This conference is always a well attended and sold out conference as suppliers and service groups can hear from top CEO and management level representatives and how their company can help play a role in the operations’ success.
To help celebrate Timmins Mining Week the very popular Jackleg Drilling Competitions are held on the first day of the event. Manroc Development will be hosting this year’s competitions and after hosting a successful Northwestern Ontario Competition last fall in Thunder Bay the group noticed the mines in the region were represented by their teams which added a lot of fun to the event. “We are encouraging the regional mines to get involved by supporting their miners in this year’s competition,” stated Glenn Dredhart. This competition is a fun way to celebrate one of the most basic mining activities –underground jackleg drilling. It honours Timmins’ miners and the mining heritage. Cash and trophies will be awarded, and it is free to register. There are three categories of competitors, Professional, Amateur men and women and Dignitaries Challenge.
There are tours and networking events scheduled during the expo. The VIP Mining Social and the Gala Dinner and Awards Night are networking events you won't want to miss. There is one thing for sure, Timmins is one of the best when it comes to hosting it’s guests. The VIP Mining Social is the largest mining networking event in Northern Ontario. VIP guests (600) are invited to enjoy an evening of fun, great food, live entertainment, and local beverages. The event is sponsored by industry and is free to the invited guests.
The Gala Dinner & Mining Awards Night is held as the big kick off event to the mining expo and since its inception, has raised over $170,000.00 for local non-profit mining organizations! The Northern Mining Awards Night as part of the Gala Dinner recognizes individuals and companies for their contributions to the mining industry in Northern Ontario. The Gala Dinner is a great way to network with industry leaders and dignitaries while at the same time help support our future mining industry with student bursaries for 2023-24.
The trade show hours are Wednesday, June 7th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and on Thursday June 8th, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
The Grand Opening Ceremonies are held at 11:00 am on the grounds north of the McIntyre Arena at the Jackleg Drilling Rocks. Join us as we celebrate Mining Week in Timmins and the opening of Ontario's largest mining show with a lineup of speakers representing the mining industry and our community leaders.
“The event has grown year after year and last year we had over 300 displays, the response this year is even more overwhelming with 400 displays and if we had another arena, we could have filled it, we ran out of space,” said Dredhart.
If you are intending to visit the mining expo in Timmins you are encouraged to register now for the individual events as space is limited. One can see the complete agenda and register online.
For group bookings call 1-705-264-2251 and ask for Rhonda Larochelle or email [email protected].
Once registered your name will be entered into a free draw for 1 troy ounce of gold (you must be in attendance to win).
