ISMC at PDAC 2026 | ISMC lands in Toronto
The Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC) has officially kicked off its participation in PDAC 2026 – The World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention, held from 1–4 March in Toronto, Canada. Organised by the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada, PDAC brings together more than 27,000 participants from over 125 countries, 1,300 exhibitors and 700 speakers, consolidating its position as the leading global platform for mineral exploration, mining investment and strategic raw materials dialogue.
ISMC representation at PDAC 2026
ISMC is represented on the ground by Patricia Núñez, Laura Quijano and David San Juan, who are actively engaging with international stakeholders, European partners and institutional representatives to strengthen the cluster’s global positioning.
The first day focused on strategic networking and ecosystem alignment, reinforcing ISMC’s role as a connector between industry, innovation and public authorities.
Strengthening international partnerships
Throughout the day, ISMC representatives reconnected with Spanish and international partners, including AMINER and Técnicas Reunidas, exploring collaboration opportunities in the field of critical raw materials and sustainable mining development.
A valuable exchange also took place with Ignacio Mezquita, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Ottawa, addressing investment prospects, trade cooperation and Spain’s positioning within the global mineral value chain.

European strategic autonomy in focus
ISMC attended the high-level session “Unlocking Europe’s Mineral Raw Materials Potential: New Data, New Projects, New Opportunities – Bridging Geoscience and Industry at PDAC 2026”, organised by the European Technology Platform on Sustainable Mineral Resources (ETP SMR), EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) and the GSEU Project.

The session highlighted the importance of integrating geoscientific data, industrial innovation and EU-funded initiatives to unlock Europe’s mineral raw materials potential and reinforce strategic autonomy under the Critical Raw Materials framework.
PERMANET engagement at PDAC
In parallel, ISMC continued informal coordination activities linked to the PERMANET project, fostering discussions around resilient value chains for Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs). Although no formal presentations were delivered during day one, PDAC provides a strategic environment to consolidate alliances, identify synergies and align long-term objectives across European initiatives.
A global platform shaping the future of mineral exploration
Since its foundation in 1932, PDAC has grown into the most influential global gathering for mineral exploration and mining stakeholders. Beyond exhibition spaces, the convention serves as a strategic forum where policy, finance, geology and industry converge to define the future of sustainable mineral supply.
For ISMC, participation in PDAC 2026 reinforces its commitment to:
Strengthening international cooperation in critical raw materials
Promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices
Supporting European industrial resilience
Connecting EU-funded innovation projects with global opportunities
This first day in Toronto confirms that global dialogue and cross-border collaboration remain essential to secure sustainable mineral value chains.
Further updates from PDAC 2026 will follow as the convention progresses.


