Awards
Mining Hall of Fame, and Student Awards.
2026 Award Recipients
Dating back to 1977, the PDAC Awards recognize outstanding performers in the Canadian and international mineral exploration and mining industry for their achievements and overall excellence. Recipients are selected by the PDAC Board of Directors based on recommendations from the PDAC Awards Committee.
The 2026 Awards recipients will be honoured at the Awards Celebration & Nite Cap on March 3, 2026, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto during the PDAC 2026 Convention. Add tickets to your registration for an unforgettable evening where you can connect with colleagues, host clients and forge new connections.
PDAC Awards Nomination Guide and Form
Do you know an individual or organization making an outstanding contribution to the mineral exploration and mining industry? Nominations are now open for the 2027 PDAC Awards.
Emerging Leaders Awards
2026 PDAC Awards
PDAC Awards Categories
Bill Dennis Award
For a Canadian discovery or prospecting success
Named in honour of a former PDAC president, the Bill Dennis Award is presented to an individual or team of explorationists who has accomplished one or both of the following:
- Made a significant mineral discovery in Canada with potential economic viability
- Made an important contribution to the Canadian prospecting and/or exploration industry.
Distinguished Service Award
For outstanding contributions to the mineral industry and/or to PDAC.
Presented at the PDAC Board of Directors discretion, this award recognizes a PDAC member in good standing who has achieved one or more of the following:
- Made a substantial contribution to mineral exploration and mining development over a number of years;
- Given considerable time and effort to the PDAC;
- Made outstanding contributions to the mineral industry in the field of finance, geology, geophysics, geochemistry research, or a related activity.
Emerging Leaders Award
For outstanding achievement by a young professional in mineral exploration and development.
This award celebrates individuals who are helping shape the future of the sector through professional excellence, innovation, collaboration and a commitment to responsible mineral development. Recipients of this award will have demonstrated one or more of the following:
- Significant professional or technical contributions within their field;
- Innovation or creative approaches that have positively influenced projects, organizations or the broader industry;
- Leadership, teamwork or mentorship that supports the development of others;
- Meaningful contributions to safety, environmental stewardship, community engagement or social responsibility;
- Active involvement in PDAC, professional associations, or industry and community initiatives.
To be eligible, nominees must:
- Be 40 years of age or younger as of Dec. 31 of the nomination year;
- Have three to five years of experience in the mineral exploration and development industry;
- Be a PDAC member;
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or have made significant contributions to the Canadian mineral industry;
- Be currently employed or actively engaged in the mineral exploration and development industry (e.g., geoscience, engineering, environmental, finance or community relations roles);
- Be registered with a relevant professional organization, where applicable.
Skookum Jim Award
For Indigenous achievement in the mineral industry.
This award is named after Skookum Jim, the Indigenous leader of the group that discovered the Yukon Klondike goldfields, one of Canada’s most important mineral discoveries. Recipients of this award:
- Must be from a recognized Indigenous group in Canada (Metis, Inuit, First Nation);
- Have demonstrated exceptional achievement and/or service in an Indigenous business organization operating in the Canadian mining industry and/or a Canadian Indigenous exploration or mining company or have made a significant individual contribution to the mining industry.
Sustainability Award
For outstanding leadership in environmental protection and/or good community relations
- This award honours an individual or organization demonstrating outstanding initiative, leadership, and accomplishment in protecting and preserving the natural environment during an exploration program, development or operation of a mine.
- The Sustainability Award also recognizes efforts to establish and maintain good relations with local communities.
Thayer Lindsley Award
For an international mineral discovery
- Open to individuals and teams of any nationality, this award honours the memory of Thayer Lindsley, one of the greatest mine finders of all time.
- The award is presented to an individual or team of explorationists credited with a recent mineral discovery with potential economic viability anywhere in the world.
Viola R. MacMillan Award
For company or mine development
In honour of Viola MacMillan, the longest serving PDAC president, this award is given to an individual or company demonstrating strong leadership in management and finance for the exploration and development of mineral resources. Recipients of this award will have accomplished one or more of the following:
- Made a significant contribution to the financial side of the industry;
- Recognized leader in raising funds for a particular area, development or project;
- Used new or innovative financing methods.
Previous Award
Recipients
Discover the trailblazers and visionaries who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields, showcasing the pinnacle of achievement and inspiration.
