NEWS RELEASE: PDAC 2019 Awards Honour Industry Leaders (November 13, 2018)

TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is excited to announce that six top international and domestic performers have been selected in recognition of their excellence.

Now in its 41st year, the annual PDAC awards showcase exceptional leaders in the mineral exploration and mining community. Recipients will be celebrated at an Awards Gala & After Party at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto on Tuesday, March 5 during the PDAC 2019 Convention. Congratulations to the award recipients for their outstanding accomplishments.

Bill Dennis Award: Peregrine Diamonds Ltd, Chidliak Diamond District

In 2008, the Peregrine Diamonds exploration team made the grassroots discovery of the Chidliak Diamond District, near Iqaluit on Baffin Island, Nunavut–Canada’s second largest kimberlite district. Exploration programs and engineering studies completed between 2008 and 2018 led to the discovery of 74 kimberlites, one of which has a 17.96 million carat inferred mineral resource with an average grade of 2.41 carats per tonne and average diamond value of US$151 per carat, with six other kimberlites having economic potential.

Read more

1995 PDAC Bill Dennis Prospector of the Year Award for the Voisey Bay Nickel Deposit – Albert E. Chislett and Chris L. Verbiski – by Stan Sudol

Chris Verbiski & Al Chislett (Wiki Source)

This excerpt is from the 2007 PDAC 75th anniversary publication.

Originally looking for diamonds in 1993, Albert Chislett and Chris Verbiski instead discovered one of the world’s major nickel sulphide deposits near Nain, Labrador. The Voisey’s Bay deposit was eventually bought and developed by Inco Limited. Most experts agree that the deposit will be a major source of nickel and regional prosperity for generations to come.

Chislett was born in Islington, Trinity Bay Nfld. in 1949. After studying business administration at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto and working in the accounting department at Swift Premium in Ontario for five years, he established a successful construction company in St. John’s Nfld., and operated it for fifteen years.

His interest in geology and mineral exploration began in the late 1980s, stemming in part from his love of the outdoors. In 1988 he started operating an independent mineral exploration company and began prospecting full time. He was soon one of the most active prospectors in the province and was the first to receive a provincial prospector’s assistant grant.

Read more

PDAC 2018 Viola R. MacMillan Award: IAMGOLD Corporation and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

PDAC 2018 – Viola R. MacMillan Award – IAMGOLD & Sumitomo from PENDA Productions on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

Viola R. MacMillan Award - IAMGOLD & Sumitomo.jpg

Hiroshi Asahi, Director, Executive Officer, General Manager of Mineral Resources Div. of Sumitomo Metal Mining (left), Ed Thompson (middle), Don Charter, Chairman & Director of IAMGOLD Corporation

This award, named in honour of PDAC’s longest serving president, is given to an individual or organization demonstrating leadership in management and financing for the exploration and development of mineral resources.

IAMGOLD Corporation and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. – For demonstrating leadership in the financing and management of one of Canada’s largest undeveloped gold projects

In June 2017 Sumitomo Metal Mining purchased a 30% interest in the Côté Gold project in northeastern Ontario from IAMGOLD for US$195 million. The investment and subsequent 70-30 joint venture agreement was a breakthrough, allowing IAMGOLD to proceed toward development of a major gold project in a challenging financing environment.

Read more

PDAC 2018 Bill Dennis Award: NexGen Energy

PDAC 2018 – Bill Dennis Award – NexGen from PENDA Productions on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

Bill Dennis Award - NexGen Energy Ltd..jpg

Leigh Curyer (left)

This award, named for a former president of the association, honours an individual or team of explorationists who have accomplished one or both of the following: made a significant mineral discovery; made an important contribution to the prospecting and/or exploration industry.

NexGen Energy – For the discovery of the Arrow uranium deposit in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada

NexGen Energy discovered the Arrow uranium deposit in 2014, less than a year after listing on the TSX-V. Subsequent drilling established Arrow as the largest undeveloped uranium deposit in the Athabasca Basin, and one of the most prolific uranium camps globally. Based on a maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) released in 2017, Arrow will conceptually be the world’s largest uranium mine.

Read more

PDAC 2018 Environmental & Social Responsibility Award: Golden Star Resources

PDAC 2018 – Environmental & Social Responsibility Award – Golden Star Resources from PENDA Productions on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

Enviro. & Social Responsibility Award - Golden Star.jpg

Sam Coetzer, President & CEO of Golden Star Resources (left) and Donald Lindsay, President & CEO of Teck Resources Limited

This award honours an individual or organization demonstrating outstanding initiative, leadership and accomplishment in protecting and preserving the natural environment and/or in establishing good community relations during an exploration program or operation of a mine.

Golden Star Resources – For exceptional community relations, commitment to sustainable development, and support for employees and local businesses at its two producing gold mines in Ghana

Golden Star has reached beyond expectations of corporate environmental and social initiatives at its operations on the Ashanti gold belt in Ghana. From protecting and preserving the environment, to encouraging local businesses to supply goods and services to its gold mines, Golden Star is recognized as a global leader in corporate responsibility.

Read more

PDAC 2018 Skookum Jim Award: Lana Eagle

PDAC 2018 – Skookum Jim Award – Lana Eagle from PENDA Productions on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

Skookum Jim Award - Lana Eagle.jpg

Lana Eagle and Felix Lee, PDAC First Vice President

Recipients of this award have demonstrated exceptional achievement and/or service in a Canadian Aboriginal-run service business for the Canadian mining industry or a Canadian Aboriginal exploration or mining company, or have made a significant individual contribution to the mineral industry.

Lana Eagle – For her contribution to Canada’s mining industry by working diligently to bridge the divide between Indigenous communities and both junior and major companies

Lana Eagle is a member of the Whitecap Dakota Nation in Saskatchewan who has devoted her career to building relationships between the mining industry and Indigenous communities. She is the driving force behind the Association for Mineral Exploration’s (AME) Gathering Place, where industry and Indigenous representatives meet to forge common ground, and donates her time to several other industry organizations.

Read more

PDAC 2018 Distinguished Service Award: Ted Reeve

PDAC 2018 – Distinguished Service Award – Ted Reeve from PENDA Productions on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

Distinguished Service Award - Ted Reeve.jpg

Ted Reeve (left) and James Siddorn, Chair of PDAC Convention Planning Committee

This award recognizes an individual who has achieved one or more of the following: made a substantial contribution to mineral exploration and mining development over a number of years; given considerable time and effort to PDAC; made outstanding contributions to the mineral industry in the field of finance, geology, geophysics, geochemistry research, or a related activity.

Ted Reeve – For his invaluable volunteer contributions to PDAC as a Convention Planning Committee member for 16 years, and session chair

Ted Reeve received a PhD in geology from the University of Toronto (U of T) in 1972. He worked as a geologist in the United States, Chile, Australia and other parts of the world before returning to U of T and completing an MBA in 1979.

Read more

PDAC 2018 Special Achievement Award: Jean Descarreaux (deceased)

PDAC 2018 – Special Achievement Award – Jean Descarreaux from PENDA Productions on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

Special Achievement Award - Jean Descarreaux.jpg

Marie-Claude Descarreaux (left), Glenn Mullan, PDAC President (middle) and Isabelle Descarreaux

From time to time, PDAC presents a Special Achievement Award that recognizes exceptional contributions to the mineral industry.

Jean Descarreaux (deceased) – For founding the Québec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) and developing the mineral exploration sector in Quebec

Jean Descarreaux is best known for his role in developing the Québec mineral exploration sector. In 1975 he co-founded the Québec Prospectors’ Association (now the Québec Mineral Exploration Association, or AEMQ) to promote exploration and entrepreneurship in the province.

Read more

PDAC 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award: Don Taylor, Arizona Mining Inc.

PDAC 2018 – Thayer Lindsley Award – Don Taylor from PENDA Productions on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

Thayer Lindsley Award - Don Taylor, Arizona Mining.jpg

Don Taylor (left) and Rod Thomas, Chair of PDAC Awards Committee

This award recognizes an individual or a team of explorationists credited with a recent significant mineral discovery anywhere in the world.

Don Taylor, Arizona Mining Inc. – For the 2014 discovery of the Taylor lead-zinc-silver deposit in Arizona

When geologist Don Taylor joined the management team at Arizona Mining (then Wildcat Silver) in 2010 his main task was to move the company’s silver-manganese project in southern Arizona through advanced exploration to development.

At that time the surface oxide deposit posed a metallurgical challenge and Don, who graduated with a MSc from the University of Missouri, was eager to test the potential for sulphide mineralization at depth.

Read more

2017 PDAC Viola R. MacMillan Award: Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine, De Beers Group of Companies & Mountain Province Diamonds

PDAC 2017 Viola R. MacMillan Award: De Beers Group of Companies and Mountain Province Diamonds from PDAC on Vimeo.

ttp://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

(L to R) Allan Rodel (De Beers Group of Companies), Patrick Evans (Mountain Province Diamonds), David Harquail (Franco Nevada)

This award, which is named in honour of the PDAC’s longest serving president, is given to an individual or organization demonstrating leadership in management and financing for the exploration and development of mineral resources.

Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine, De Beers Group of Companies & Mountain Province Diamonds: For development of the world’s largest new diamond mine in the last 13 years, a complex project that is expected to produce approximately 54 million carats of rough diamonds over its lifetime.

Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories (NWT) officially opened in September 2016. It is a joint venture between the De Beers Group of Companies, a privately-owned diamond exploration, mining, rough diamond sales and retail company that owns 51% of the project; and Toronto-based Mountain Province Diamonds, that owns the remaining 49%. Mountain Province discovered the first kimberlite at Gahcho Kue in 1995 and entered into a joint venture with De Beers in 1997. Gahcho Kué is the world’s largest new diamond mine in 13 years and is expected to produce approximately 54 million carats of rough diamonds during its initial 12-year lifespan. It is comprised of three open pits and is on track to reach full commercial operation in the first quarter of 2017.

Read more

2017 PDAC Thayer Lindsley Award: Peter Megaw, MAG Silver Corporation

PDAC 2017 Thayer Lindsley Award: Peter Megaw from PDAC on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.


(L to R) Peter Megaw (MAG Silver Corporation) and Felix Lee (PDAC First Vice President)

This award recognizes an individual or a team of explorationists credited with a recent significant mineral discovery anywhere in the world.

Peter Megaw, MAG Silver Corporation: For the 2003 discovery of the 200 million ounce Juanicipio silver deposit in the Fresnillo District, Mexico, ultimately leading to a further 600 million ounces being identified in the immediate area.

In 2003, Peter Megaw, a Professional Geologist and co-founder of MAG Silver, made a blind discovery known as the Juanicipio silver deposit that contains more than 200 million ounces silver. The discovery resulted from an understanding of structural controls and mineral zoning patterns of epithermal vein systems and persistent application of field-based exploration methods.

The Juanicipio silver deposit was discovered in the 500 kilometre-long Fresnillo epithermal belt in Mexico, which extends from the Guanajuato district (1.3 billion ounces silver) through Zacatecas (1.0 billion ounces silver) and Fresnillo (1.2 billion ounces silver) to the San Martin-Sabinas district (800 million ounces silver).

Read more

2017 PDAC Special Achievement Award: Women’s Association of the Mining Industry of Canada (WAMIC)

PDAC 2017 Special Achievement Award: Women’s Association of the Mining Industry of Canada (WAMIC) from PDAC on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

Vi Andersen (WAMIC) and Ed Thompson

From time to time, the PDAC presents a Special Achievement Award that recognizes exceptional contributions to the mineral industry.

Women’s Association of the Mining Industry of Canada (WAMIC): For continuous philanthropy to the mining industry, as well as Canadian health and educational institutions for 95 years.

WAMIC was founded in 1921 with the objective of promoting friendship among women connected to mining, supporting the industry and people in it, and participating in work that related to the well-being of Canadians.

Over the past 95 years, WAMIC members have overseen the distribution of more than $1.8 million in support of young people’s education, most of which was raised directly by their efforts. WAMIC is probably best known for its fundraising, its numerous and imaginative social events, and the association’s strong presence at both the PDAC and Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum conventions in Toronto. WAMIC was also the inspiration for the similar Greater Vancouver Mining Women’s Association in British Columbia.

While the role of the association has evolved in recent years, it continues to make a significant impact. WAMIC has provided financial support for hundreds of students undertaking earth science and mining-related subjects and programs at colleges and universities across Canada.

Read more

2017 PDAC Skookum Jim Award: Peter Moses

PDAC 2017 Skookum Jim Award: Peter Moses from PDAC on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

(L to R) Peter Moses and James Siddorn

Recipients of this award have demonstrated exceptional achievement and/or service in a Canadian Aboriginal-run service business for the Canadian mining industry or a Canadian Aboriginal exploration or mining company, or have made a significant individual contribution to the mining industry.

Peter Moses: For his significant contribution to Canada’s mineral exploration and mining industry through his work with companies, government, and Aboriginal communities over a career of more than 50 years.

Peter Moses is an active member of Canada’s mineral exploration and mining community. His work as a prospector started early in life when he worked on the family’s trapline. Learning from his father and grandfather, Peter’s interest in geology grew and would eventually become the basis of a prolific career spanning more than four decades.

The industry is in Peter’s blood. He is a fourth generation family member connected to exploration and mining, dating back to his great-grandfather in 1860. In 1964, Peter became one of the first members of his community to succeed in completing a post-secondary education. He began prospecting on his own and also partnering with local team members in the Pic River and Marathon region. Often, he led a prospecting team on extremely rugged terrain, including the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Read more

2017 PDAC Environmental & Social Responsibility Award: Teranga Gold Corporation

PDAC 2017 Environmental & Social Responsiblity Award: Teranga Gold from PDAC on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.


(L to R) Richard Young (Teranga Gold Corp.) and Don Lindsay (CEO Teck Corp.)

This award honours an individual or organization demonstrating outstanding initiative, leadership and accomplishment in protecting and preserving the natural environment and/or in establishing good community relations during an exploration program or operation of a mine.

Teranga Gold Corporation: For outstanding community relations and making proactive, lasting contributions to the communities and surrounding regions of its Sabodala Gold Mine in Senegal, West Africa.

The Sabodala Gold Mine is the first and only gold industrial mine in Senegal. Teranga Gold Corporation (Teranga) has operated the mine since 2009, and has established itself as a leader in community relations and responsible mining practices.

In its 2015 Sustainability Report, Teranga acknowledges that it is operating as a guest in Senegal, and the right to be there must be earned. This is reflected in the company’s approach to mining, which begins by creating a culture of risk mitigation and shared long-term value with host communities.

Read more

2017 PDAC Distinguished Service Award: Neil Gow

PDAC 2017 Distinguished Service Award: Neil Gow from PDAC on Vimeo.

http://www.pendaproductions.com/ This video was produced by PENDA Productions, a full service production company specializing in Corporate Communications with a focus on Corporate Responsibility.

(L to R) Neil Gow and Rod Thomas (PDAC Awards Committee Chair)

This award recognizes an individual who has achieved one or more of the following: made a substantial contribution to mineral exploration and mining development over a number of years; given considerable time and effort to the PDAC; made outstanding contributions to the mineral industry in the field of finance, geology, geophysics, geochemistry research, or a related activity.

Neil Gow: For using his vast knowledge and experience as a geologist to volunteer for the betterment of the mineral exploration and mining industry.

Neil Gow is a geologist who served the mineral exploration and mining industry in an exemplary fashion. He started his career in Australia before making his way to Canada in 1982. For the most part since then he has been an independent Consulting Geologist based just outside Toronto in Burlington.

Neil is well-known for his work in lead-zinc, laterite and gold deposits, which included valuation reports for potential investment by clients and independent qualifying reports. Yet, it’s his many generous volunteer commitments that make him a standout in his field.

Read more