The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) has announced the six recipients of its 2027 Awards, celebrating remarkable achievements and contributions to mineral exploration and development in Canada and across the global mining industry.
“The 2027 recipients reflect the exceptional talent, leadership and innovation found across our industry,” said Karen Rees, PDAC President. “We’re especially proud to introduce the Emerging Leaders Award this year, recognizing young professionals who are already making a significant impact in mineral exploration and development. Together, all six recipients exemplify the excellence and dedication that the PDAC Awards have celebrated for 50 years.”
Since their establishment in 1977, the PDAC Awards have recognized outstanding individuals, teams, and organizations whose achievements have made significant contributions to mineral exploration and development. The 2027 award recipients will be celebrated at the Awards Celebration & Nite Cap on Tuesday, March 9, 2027, as part of the PDAC 2027 Convention in Toronto.
2027 PDAC Awards recipients
Bill Dennis Award: For a Canadian discovery or prospecting success
Snowline Exploration Team – Valley Gold Deposit: For the discovery of the Valley gold deposit at the Rogue Project in Yukon.
Emerging Leaders Award: For outstanding achievement by a young professional in mineral exploration and development
Antoine Caté: For advancing the integration of geology, data science and artificial intelligence in mineral exploration.
Skookum Jim Award: For Indigenous achievement in the mineral industry
Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly: For advancing Indigenous-led assessment, stewardship and participation in mineral development.
Sustainability Award: For outstanding leadership in environmental protection and/or good community relations
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: For an international mineral discovery
Pan American Silver – La Colorada Exploration Team: For the discovery of the La Colorada skarn deposit in Zacatecas, Mexico.
Viola R. MacMillan Award: For company or mine development
Cupric Canyon Capital – Khoemacau Copper-Silver Mine: For financing and developing the Khoemacau Copper-Silver Mine in Botswana.
Awards selection process
PDAC’s Board of Directors selects award recipients based on recommendations from the association’s Awards Committee. Learn more about the PDAC Awards and how to nominate candidates for the 2028 PDAC Awards.
Awards Celebration & Nite Cap
Join industry leaders and professionals from around the world for the Awards Celebration & Nite Cap on Tuesday, March 9, 2027, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The evening features a welcome reception, three-course dinner and presentation of the 2027 PDAC Awards, followed by the Nite Cap reception, offering guests an opportunity to connect and celebrate with colleagues from across the industry.
Ticket sales open on PDAC’s website in December. Sign up to be notified when tickets become available.
About PDAC
The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) represents the global mineral exploration and development industry, serving as its leading advocacy organization. With more than 9,000 members worldwide, PDAC is committed to fostering a competitive, responsible and sustainable minerals sector. Its flagship event, PDAC 2027: The World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Event, will be held in Toronto, Canada, from March 7–10, 2027. For further details, visit pdac.ca.
