Major Drilling staff greet attendees at PDAC 2023.
In March 2023, Major Drilling returned to the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s Convention in Toronto, a gathering of more than 1,100 exhibitors and 2,500 investors held since 1932. Members of Major Drilling’s global team greeted clients, suppliers and colleagues at its newly renovated booth available to nearly 24,000 attendees. It’s clear that the industry is once again hitting its stride.
“At PDAC we renewed our connections with the industry and had a lot of great conversations about our ability to respond to demand for our services that focus on innovation and safety, like and rigs with rod handling capabilities,” Kevin Slemko, VP Operations – U.S., said. “It was great to be back with several members of our global management and business development team who could share their expertise to help advance the goals of the many miners and exploration companies we met with.”
On the highly trafficked Trade Show floor, operational capabilities and ESG principles were on display. Major Drilling’s Booth and Food Pavilion graphics prominently featured one of the Canadian team’s up-and-coming female drillers, Shayne Smellie. “We’re proud to show that our long-term success depends on forming talented, diverse and inclusive teams,” Ben Graham, VP HR & Safety, said.
Major Drilling signage welcomes PDAC Convention attendees at the Food Pavilion.
Convention goers received free headshots at a photo station sponsored by Major Drilling.
Another way Major Drilling is demonstrating its commitment to diversity is a new partnership with Women in Mining Canada through a Bronze-level sponsorship. The organization held its Mining for Diversity awards ceremony and networking event which coincided with International Women’s Day.
Major Drilling is in good company as it supports Women in Mining Canada as a Bronze-level sponsor. Event photo credit: Women in Mining Canada
Major Drilling provides a variety of support for the industry including PDAC’s student organization, S-IMEW. Since 2007, the organization provides geoscience students with a two-week workshop in the field and the opportunity to interact with industry professionals. In 2023, Major Drilling will once again participate and reinforce the value of safety in the field by providing specially-designed orange safety vests for geologists, an indispensable part their personal protective equipment.
S-IMEW 2019 students perform a grid mapping exercise with Wallbridge Mining. They are wearing orange safety vests designed for geologists, provided by Major Drilling. Photo credit: PDAC S-IMEW
Major Drilling’s Argentina and Chile teams connected with miners and exploration companies looking to enhance their South American operations. Argentina Branch General Manager, Yannick Lafreniere, spoke to attendees of the PDAC Argentina Mining Conference about his branch’s capabilities in responding to demand for drilling in his region, especially in the Lithium Triangle. The Major Drilling Chile Branch participated in CESCO and Chile Explore Group events, demonstrating country’s exploration opportunities.
Yannick Lafreniere, Major Drilling Argentina General Manager, presents on the operational capabilities of his branch, including the new Salta support center, during the Argentina Mining Conference held during PDAC 2023. The Argentina branch provides drilling services to companies exploring the Lithium Triangle, as well as exploration for copper, gold and other commodities.
Major Drilling Chile was a sponsor of the Chile Wines & Mines event held to discuss mining industry opportunities while participants enjoyed a variety of the country’s finest wines.
The Argentina Mining Pavilion recognizes Major Drilling as a Platinum sponsor.
Follow Major Drilling on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to receive the latest company news and updates. Established in 1980, and publicly traded as Toronto Stock Exchange ticker symbol TSX: MDI, Major Drilling is the preferred specialized drilling contractor for all tiers in the mining industry. The company operates on five continents as the world leader in specialized drilling using mining industry ESG principles to guide sustainability. As the leading mining supplier and drilling contractor for specialized contracts, Major Drilling is a trusted mining partner through industry upturns and ongoing exploration projects. Learn more about how to make your next drilling project safe and successful with Major Drilling.
