Jay Cornelsen, the National Publicity Director for, the Canadian Mining Expo 2017, announced this year's line up for the two day Timmins mining extravaganza, known locally as the Big Event, where mining supply companies display their equipment and expertise to mining giants like Goldcorp, Kirkland Lake Gold, Tahoe Lake Shore Gold, Primero Gold and IAMGOLD, as well as emerging local gold miners such as Gowest Gold.
"Ontario, Canada and the world will come to the Canadian Mining Expo because we in Timmins got the gold!" exclaimed Cornelsen, "and the know how of gold mining that has developed over the 105 years,"
"The rest of the world will be focusing on Timmins, because they want to find out, how we have been so successful in gold mining for such a long time," said Cornelsen.
"The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) may have the largest mining convention in Canada, but the Canadian Mining Expo has something that PDAC doesn't have- we have the real thing, the latest mining equipment for mining companies to try out and even test drive," said Cornelsen.
2017 Canadian Mining Expo Events Listing
Mayor Steve Black was on hand at Tru-North Truck Centre on Riverside Drive near Jupiter Street to help kick off the lead up to the Big Event May 31-June 1 at the McIntyre Arena and Community Centre.
"The Big Event as the Canadian Mining Expo is known are Timmins is great for the city," Mayor Black declared.
"It showcases and highlights the skills, expertise and technological development of our home grown mining supply and services sector, which is today renowned around the world for its excellence," Mayor Black said.
"The Canadian Mining Expo is great for our mining companies because the can come out and see for themselves and even test drive the heavy equipment and technology available to them through our mining services and supply sector, " he added.
"And it is a great opportunity for family, friends and community members to attend the Canadian Mining Expo and find out what our hard working miners do on the job and also meet the men and women who provide important services such as drilling equipment, trucks, health and safety equipment and procedures, mining exploration technology and more," Mayor Black said.
"It's great for our hospitality industry as all our hotel rooms are fully booked and some participants who booked late eventually have to stay in hotels as far as Matheson or even Kirkland Lake," Mayor Black said.
In addition to the large array of heavy equipment and mining technology, the Canadian Mining Expo features important sessions on mining legislation and policy, mining investment opportunities, First Nations and mining and women in mining.
"it's the place to be if you want the latest and most accurate information about investment opportunities in mining in Northern Ontario," said Cornelsen.
"Over the past two or three Canadian Mining Expo's we have had guests from India, Peru and the United States make presentations about mining in their countries, the importance of the Timmins mining camp and investment opportunities," Cornelsen added.,
"This year we are focusing on investment opportunities for Ontario's mining supply and services sector overseas in India, Africa and Latin America," he said. "The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, one of our partners is doing a tremendous job connecting Timmins to the international mining communities."
On Wednesday, May 31 after the grand opening ceremonies, in the outdoor display area, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund will host a woman in mining luncheon in the McIntyre Ballroom.
The Billions in the Ground Investment Forum on Thursday June 1, 2017 runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features mining company executives, exploration company executives and investment fund managers.
The festivities for the Canadian Mining Expo 2017 get started on Tuesday night May 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the McIntyre Ballroom with the traditional Gala dinner that will be attended by 300 senior mining company officials, mining service and suppliers, officials from Ontario's Ministry of Northern Development and Mining; guests from other nations and representatives of Canada's First Nations.
The keynote speakers at the Gala Dinner will be Anthony Makuch, President and CEO of Kirkland Lake Gold; Duncan Middlemiss, President and CEO of Wesdome Gold Mines and Peter Van Alphen, Vice-President of Operations for Tahoe Resources.
The proceeds from the admission to the Gala Dinner will contribute to a scholarship fund awarded annually by the Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM)to two Timmins Grade 12 students who want to study mining at post secondary institutions of learning and pursue a career in mining.
"The scholarships provide $1,500 to two Timmins Grade 12 students who are interested in study about various aspects of mining and eventually work in mining," said Andrew Smith the chair of CIM Porcupine branch.
A popular activity at each Canadian Mining Expo is the Jackleg drilling competition which features competition in the men's division, the women's division and the Mayor's Challenge.
"This year we will have Ward 3 councilor Joe Campbell challenging Mayor Black and several other area mayor's for bragging rights," Cornelsen said.
"But we also have other fun competitions such as the new Excavation Rodeo, where heavy equipment such as excavators and back hoes will be used to see who can excavate the fastest and most accurate trench," said Cornelsen.
Another new competition is the intriguing "Feather and Wedge Non-Explosive Rock Breaking" competition scheduled for Wednesday May 31.
According to Cornelsen, The Canadian Mining Expo is the largest gathering of mining people in Northern Ontario, featuring the largest outdoor display if giant mining equipment in Canada. It has over 400 booths and indoor displays.
