With over 260 members, MineConnect is now officially Canada's largest mining supply and services (MSS) trade association.
By adhering to its core values of commitment to members; integrity and transparency; partnership and collaboration, and of course strengthening Northern Ontario’s mining supply and services sector, the association saw record attendance at its events in 2023, and this year, MineConnect is offering an even stronger lineup of events and initiatives designed to benefit its members throughout Northern Ontario.
“While many of MineConnect’s members want to find new opportunities in the United States and beyond, virtually all of them also want to expand domestically and find new markets within Canada. Our programming this spring reflects that balance,” said Executive Director, Marla Tremblay.
As in past years, MineConnect will participate in the Canadian Institute of Metallurgy’s CIM Connect expo in Vancouver from May 12th to 15th. While there, the Association will cohost the Tri-Province Update Meet & Greet on May 12th, in partnership with the Mining Suppliers Association of BC and 48e Nord International. The event is a multi-province hospitality afternoon featuring guest speakers from Eldorado Gold, Newmont, and Teck followed by a meet-and-greet reception. It’s open to members of the co-hosts' respective organizations, at a reduced fee, and non-members as well.
Later that evening, MineConnect and its partners from BC and Quebec will co-host a networking reception or Special-edition Roadshow. The co-hosts’ members, as well as other CIM Connect delegates, will have the opportunity to network and enjoy B2B conversations around the BC, ON & QC mining industries in a more relaxed atmosphere. “MineConnect’s partnerships with other MSS associations in Canada have been mutually beneficial. We share information about advanced mining projects, make introductions within our networks when possible, and we can see how our respective organizations can help facilitate the drive for critical minerals in Canada,” explained Tremblay.
June will find MineConnect staff actively promoting the supplier-sourcing website directory of members at the Canadian Mining Expo (CME) in Timmins on June 5th and 6th, as well as at the Elko Mining Expo in Nevada on June 6th and 7th. “Both events are long-running and well-respected industry trade shows of comparable size and impact in their respective areas,” Tremblay added.
In September of last year, Ontario and Nevada signed an Economic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to critical minerals and green energy projects. This came about, in no small part, as the result of years of groundwork laid through the MineConnect USA pilot project, which has recently been revamped in light of the MOU.
With the support of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority (NNRDA) recently launched its Silver Link program and the latest development within that, the Master Links program at the influential Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention last month. Both programs are intended to address supply-chain gaps in Nevada’s mining industry and better serve the needs of both mine operators and service providers. Once designated as a Master Link, companies can enjoy various benefits, including insider access to RFIs. MineConnect members will have the first right of refusal to bid on RFPs.
“In addition to the preferential treatment that MineConnect members will benefit from with Master Links, companies that bid successfully are eligible for grant funds of up to $5,000 USD for business expenses to help them set up operations within the state should they wish to. It’s a new program, and we’re encouraged by the possibilities that it opens up to our members. It leads nicely into our participation at MINExpo this fall,” Tremblay added.
For the first time, MineConnect will exhibit at MINExpo, the world’s largest mining event, which is held in Las Vegas every four years. Tremblay explained that “The MOU between Ontario and Nevada has made this the ideal year for MineConnect to make its debut at this show. MineConnect is partnering with the Province of Ontario, the Thunder Bay CEDC, and the City of Greater Sudbury to boost the profile of Northern Ontario’s MSS companies internationally. MINExpo offers an exceptional opportunity to meet with mining operators and distributors from more than 120 countries.”
To maximize opportunities for Northern Ontario companies to network with international mining executives at MINExpo, MineConnect will host a special international Northern Ontario Roadshow networking event on the evening of September 25th. 500 mining industry representatives are expected to attend. “We’ll soon have some attractive sponsorship opportunities available to Northern Ontario companies that will help them to stand out in the vastness of MINExpo,” Tremblay added.
Rounding out the Association’s initiatives this spring and summer are a sponsorship of Northern Ontario Angels’ Venture Timmins 2024 event, as well as Northern Ontario Roadshow networking events in Cochrane (May) and Sault Ste. Marie (late June aboard the tour boat the “Miss Marie”). Details of all MineConnect’s activities are posted to their online event calendar.
Over the past year, MineConnect has achieved significant milestones that have laid the foundation for a stronger and more cohesive association. Tremblay added this closing comment, “The opportunities we’ve created for connection, mutual support, and excellence have established MineConnect as a respected leader in the mining supply industry. There’s never been a better time to be a MineConnect member.”
For more information, or to become a member of MineConnect, visit mineconnect.com.