Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada's Convention Pumps $72 Million Into Toronto Economy

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -02/23/12)- According to a recent report generated by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada's (PDAC) Convention contributed nearly $72 million to Toronto's economy in 2011.

If the convention's growth trend continues - attendance has been climbing since 2009 and early registration figures are up from last year - the economic impact on the city will increase in 2012.

PDAC president Scott Jobin-Bevans says growth is likely. "The convention has really hit its stride in terms of its place in the global mineral industry. In 2011, we had over 27,000 participants from 120 different countries - we're seeing very strong interest again this year, both at home and internationally. Early registration numbers are up from last year, reflecting both the health of the mineral industry and the tremendous networking and educational opportunities the convention offers."

The convergence of investors, analysts, mining executives, geologists, prospectors and international government delegations takes place March 4 - 7 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more information, visit pdac.ca.

The Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture's report provides an estimate of the economic impact of the 2011 PDAC Convention on the local economy in terms of GDP, employment and taxes generated. The analysis is based on information the PDAC provided to the Ministry's Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model (TREIM).

About the PDAC

The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is a national association representing the mineral exploration and development industry. The PDAC has close to 9,000 individual and corporate members.

About the PDAC International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange

The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada's (PDAC) Convention is the mineral industry's largest annual convention. The 2011 convention attracted nearly 28,000 attendees, including 7,000 international delegates from 120 countries. In 2011, the PDAC Convention contributed over $72 million to the local economy. The convention takes place March 4 - 7, 2012, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.