The continuing concern over COVID-19 has prompted the postponement of the Big Event Canadian Mining Expo, which was scheduled to take place June 1-4 in Timmins.
A notice on the Big Event website said efforts are underway to find a more appropriate time for the event.
"When we know it is safe for the mining community to come together, we will post a new date," wrote Glenn Dredhart, president of event host Canadian Trade-Ex.
"We will allow ample time for exhibitors and attendees to make travel arrangements, and re-market the new dates of the event."
In the past 10 years, the Timmins mine expo has become one of the premier Northern Ontario events for mining companies and mining suppliers to showcase their businesses. Hundreds of exhibitors and company representatives would attract thousands of attendees to see what was new in mining.
Over the years, Dredhart had transformed a hockey arena-style tradeshow into a major exhibition event that occupied every square foot of the McIntyre Community Building and several acres of the surrounding land with exhibits, interactive displays and even a jackleg drilling contest.
The annual gala dinner also features a list of speakers that included most of the top mining executives in Canada.
In recent years, including this year, the event has booked up every hotel room in Timmins.
Dredhart said he is hoping the mine expo event will pick up new momentum in the future.
“When the outbreak comes under control, it is our firm belief that everyone will be anxious to reconnect with the many companies, organizations, and stakeholders that drive our multi-billion dollar industry – and there is no better place to do that than the Canadian Mining Expo – in Timmins, Ontario – where the world comes to explore,” said Dredhart’s letter.
In Thunder Bay, the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) has also cancelled its 2020 annual exploration showcase, scheduled for the Valhalla Inn, April 7-8.
The OPA has not provided a rescheduled date.
Since 1996, the conference and its awards dinner has been an annual rite of spring in the northwestern Ontario city as a meeting place for prospectors, junior and senior mining reps, government geologists, industry suppliers and investors.
