PDAC 2026 in Toronto will bring Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving mining strategy into contact with a global industry. It is an ideal opportunity for Saudi-focused strategists to meet with producers and policymakers from Central Asia, Latin America, Europe, and North America to discuss the Kingdom’s ambitions.

KSA: The future hub for global mineral processing

Saudi Arabia is a robust, globally recognized mining jurisdiction, rapidly emerging as a top destination for investment and growth in the minerals sector. Come to the Saudi country showcase at PDAC to explore:

• Our 11th exploration tender round: eight mineral-rich sites spanning 1,878 km², including gold, copper, silver and nickel
• De-risking incentives and initiatives designed to support investor confidence and sector growth
• Direct access to senior leaders from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Saudi Arabia

All are welcome. Registration is not required.

Date

Monday, March 2

Time

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Location

Room 205D

Uzbekistan, Chilli and Peru: Copper Partners to Watch

Uzbekistan has rapidly expanded its copper export footprint and is becoming a significant supplier to Gulf markets, including Saudi Arabia, on top of broader trade and investment liberalization between Tashkent and Riyadh. 

Peru stands as the world’s second-largest copper producer, powering roughly 10-12% of global supply through world-class operations and a robust pipeline of expansion projects. With an established smelting infrastructure, deep port connectivity, and a mature contracting ecosystem

The Peruvian government delegations and project developers will present their plans for brownfield expansions and greenfield development at PDAC 2026. Thus, for Saudi coverage, this contrasts Peru’s “proven, large-scale” ecosystem with Uzbekistan’s emerging, geopolitically close supply chain.

Fresh January 2026 MoU between the Saudi Ministry and Chile covers technical cooperation, investment, and supply chain integration. Chile (world #1 copper, #2 lithium) offers Saudi Arabia a long-term concentrate supply for its smelter expansion, plus lithium access for battery ambitions.

PDAC Sessions to Target:

PDAC 2026 Country Sessions – Chile, Peru, Uzbekistan

Chile

• Chile Day Seminar (Cesco): Monday, March 2 – expect 1:00–3:00 PM (standard timing)
• International Mining Ministers Summit (IMMS): Sunday, March 1 afternoon
• Chile CEO Meeting (with EY): Tuesday, March 2 morning
• Pavilion: South Building (all day, March 1–4, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM)

Peru

• Peru Mining Investment Day: Sunday, March 1, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (confirmed from program) – MTCC South Building​
• Peruvian CEO Presentations: Investors Exchange – Monday–Tuesday, March 2–3 (morning blocks)
• Pavilion: South Building (all trade show hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM daily)

Uzbekistan

• Central Asia pavilion or copper country panels
• Commodity Outlook Keynotes: Sunday, March 1 or Monday, March 2 morning (where emerging copper nations appear)
• Pavilion: International area, South Building (March 1–4, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM)

 

Macro Signals: Where to Listen for Prices, Costs, and Strategy

In order to determine global price direction, capital allocation, and M&A tone, the commodity and mining outlook keynote sessions are crucial. Senior executives from large, diversified gold-copper producers and miners are typically present at these sessions, as are analysts and bankers.

Key sessions 

“Commodity outlook” keynotes and panels, where you can extract views on copper, gold, and uranium prices, cost inflation, and demand from decarbonization.

“Mining industry outlook” or “Global mining landscape 2026–2030”, which usually touch on capital discipline, pipeline replacement, and how majors view jurisdictional risk.

For Saudi visitors, these rooms are where you can connect the dots between:

• How global miners price geopolitical and ESG risk. Whether they see Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf as Tier‑1 or Tier‑2 destinations for capital. Preference for  JVs versus outright acquisitions when entering new regions

Critical Minerals and Geopolitics: Side Events with Policy Power

Additionally, specialized critical minerals seminars explore geopolitics, supply chain security, and regulatory regimes as part of the main program. In PDAC 2026, legal and advisory firms will examine how new investment control rules among allied countries are reshaping nickel, lithium, rare earth, graphite, and copper deals.

These side events are especially valuable for:

• Meeting Canadian critical‑mineral developers looking for strategic offtake and capital.
• Hear directly from government representatives from Canada, the EU, the US, and key producer states. They explain how permits, incentives, and security‑of‑supply policies are evolving.

ESG and Sustainability

As part of PDAC, environmental sustainability is no longer a side topic; it has become the center of the program. An important anchor event is the Sustainability Forum on Sunday, March 1 (10:00–12:00) in the MTCC North Building. To discuss how producer and consumer countries can align their expectations and regulatory frameworks in terms of environmental, social, and supply security, a senior representative from Saudi Arabia’s mining leadership joins global majors.

This forum is the ideal place to:

• Explore how Saudi Arabia wants to position itself
• Understand how international buyers and financiers perceive Saudi ESG commitments.
• Explore what “no greenwashing” means in practice in disclosure, assurance, and community engagement.

Beyond the forum, several exhibitors are using PDAC to showcase low‑emission fleets, water‑saving technologies, and responsible‑sourcing models that feed directly into the energy‑transition narrative. 

Technology, Automation and AI: The North Building as the Digital Lab

PDAC 2026 will be held in the North Building, which will become a technology hub for digital-first and AI-driven companies, showcasing solutions that range from automated safety systems and AI mine planning to IoT infrastructure and remote monitoring.

Key types of exhibitors and sessions to target:

• “Technology and innovation” keynotes that frame how far digital mines, autonomous fleets, and AI exploration have progressed.
• North‑side booths focus on AI‑enabled modelling, core scanning, IoT for tailings and slope stability, and digital safety systems.

This is where you can:

• Connect AI and automation directly to ESG outcomes (safety, environmental monitoring, emissions).
• Identify vendors already active—or interested—in Saudi Arabia or the wider MENA.

Deals, JV Opportunities, and the Investors Exchange

Corporate presentation forums and investor exchanges are the focal points for the dealmaking narratives—IPOs, follow-on raises, joint ventures, and royalties. Law firms, brokers, and specialist financiers quietly structure the next wave of transactions while large and mid-tier issuers present their equity stories.

Zones to watch

Corporate presentation blocks where established producers and developers set out their capital‑allocation plans and appetite for acquisitions or farm‑ins.

Investment-strategic panels hosted by major banks and exchanges that shed light on current risk appetite, capital cost, and which commodities or jurisdictions investors favor.

The Investors Exchange on Level 800, where hundreds of juniors display early‑stage copper, gold, and critical‑mineral projects and actively seek JV partners or strategic investors.

Women in Mining, Diversity and Indigenous Equity

A Women in Mining networking breakfast hosted by a leading law firm on Sunday, March 1 (8:00–10:00) brings together WIM100 honorees, senior women executives, and HR and sustainability leaders to discuss diversity and social license. A separate WIM networking lunch hosted by Women in Mining UK and Canadian counterparts creates an additional platform for examining leadership and inclusion.

Equally significant is the Indigenous Community Pavilion at the Trade Show. Here, community organizations and partners explain equity‑participation models where Indigenous peoples become co‑owners rather than just stakeholders.

Finance Architecture: From Underwriting to Royalties

It is a live classroom on mining finance, where capital-raising boutiques, global banks, and royalty/streaming specialists discuss where and how capital flows.

Key elements 

• Underwriting and capital‑raising firms that specialize in cross‑listing and cross‑border deals between the TSX and ASX, or between North America and Europe.
• Capital‑markets advisory houses that work closely with juniors on investor‑relations strategy and roadshows.
• A dedicated “Silver & Royalty” or “Streaming and Royalties” session, where CEOs from royalty companies explain why royalties and streams are attractive as non‑dilutive capital—and how that could fit into Saudi‑linked JV structures.