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Timmins to host mining show next week

The mining industry will gather for Northern Ontario’s largest mining event, featuring a tradeshow, guest lectures and a gala dinner.
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The Canadian Mining Expo annually attracts hundreds of mining industry players to Timmins. File photo

Representatives from the mining industry will descend on Timmins May 30 to June 1 for the 2017 Canadian Mining Expo, Northern Ontario’s largest mining show.

The annual event features a tradeshow with more than 400 booths, guest lectures, technical sessions, equipment demonstrations, a gala dinner, and more.

Publicity director Jay Cornelsen said Timmins’ decades-long success in gold mining makes the event a draw for international miners and investors.

Over the last three events, guests from India, Peru and the U.S. have been invited to speak about the mining opportunities in their respective countries. But this year will have a different twist.

“This year we are focusing on investment opportunities for Ontario's mining supply and services sector overseas in India, Africa and Latin America," Cornelsen said. “The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, one of our partners, is doing a tremendous job connecting Timmins to the international mining communities.”

The show will kick off with the gala dinner, which features keynote speaker 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.

Proceeds from the dinner will contribute to a scholarship fund awarded annually by the Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) for two Grade 12 Timmins students who plan to study mining and pursue a career in the industry.

Another feature is the Aboriginal Forum, hosted by the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund. This year’s theme is Women in Mining, which aims to celebrate and showcase women in the field of mining. The keynote speaker is Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin, a director of Women in Mining Canada, who has more than 37 years of mine management experience in the precious metal mining industry.

Timmins Mayor Steve Black said the event is a great draw for the city, as it fills hotels and restaurants, but also showcases the city’s valuable contributions to the mining industry.

“The Canadian Mining Expo is great for our mining companies because they 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.

“It is a great opportunity for family, friends and community members to attend the Canadian Mining Expo and find out what our hardworking 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.”