Record Participation Expected at PDAC 2023
The stage is set for a momentous gathering at this year’s Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto, even though the program details are still being finalized. Anticipation surrounds the participation of Naalakkersuisut’s key figures: Naaja H. Nathanielsen, the Minister for Business, Raw Materials, Energy, and Justice, and Peter Borg, the Minister for Nature and Environment, who will both attend alongside a team of officials and industry professionals.
Members of the Industrial and Natural Resources Committee will also lend their voices in the discussions at Inatsisartut. “I’m eager to see how these conferences unfold and what topics will arise. I hope to deepen my understanding of the agreements that shape our country and how self-governance can further Greenland’s interests,” commented Mariane Paviasen, chairwoman of the committee, who will be partaking for the first time.
Joining Paviasen will be fellow committee members Bentiaraq Ottosen, Hans-Erik Enoksen, Juno Berthelsen, and Lars Poulsen, who are all set to participate in this year’s PDAC.
Fostering Industry Dialogue
One of the highlights of the conference will be “Greenland Day,” a platform for businesses to share their experiences operating in Greenland. Additionally, a dialogue meeting focused on the raw materials industry will take place. The Ministry of Raw Materials is also coordinating efforts to arrange a meeting with a relevant Canadian minister to explore enhanced collaboration between Greenland and Canada.
Traditionally, the municipality presents the “Prospector and Developer of the Year” award during the conference. In 2025, the accolade went to Amaroq Minerals, recognized for its license to mine gold at Nalunaq. Past recipients have included notable names such as Greenland Resources, Bluejay Mining, and Ironbarks Zinc.
Record-Breaking Delegation
This year, the Greenlandic delegation is set to achieve a record attendance, with an estimated 100 participants. Alongside members of Naalakkersuisut and the business committee, the delegation will include representatives from Danish Industry, Greenland’s Business, and the Danish Embassy in Canada, as well as a robust group of companies.
Among the businesses attending are familiar names like 60North Greenland, Air Greenland, and Blue Water Shipping, demonstrating a strong representation across various sectors.
A Focus on Opportunities in Canada
According to Christian Keldsen, Director of Greenland’s Business, this year’s conference will emphasize potential cooperation and investment opportunities with Canada. “Greenland is committed to nurturing strong relations and signaling its support for industry advancement,” Keldsen explained. He highlighted that Greenland Day will spotlight collaborations not only with Canada but also with the EU.
As the world’s largest raw materials fair, PDAC expects to attract between 27,000 and 30,000 participants from around the globe, running from March 1-4. This marks the tenth collaboration between Naalakkersuisut, Danish Industry, and Greenland’s Business in organizing such a significant promotion at PDAC.