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 2025 award recipients will be celebrated at the Awards Gala & Nite Cap on March 4, 2025 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto during the PDAC 2025 Convention. 

Awards Gala & Nite Cap

Celebrate the 2025 PDAC Award recipients at the Awards Gala & Nite Cap on March 4, 2025 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. Register for PDAC 2025 to purchase tickets.
Nominations are accepted online between February and July each year. They can be submitted by companies or individuals themselves, or by others. Learn more by clicking the video link below.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.

Discover the trailblazers and visionaries who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields, showcasing the pinnacle of achievement and inspiration.

Previous Awards Recipients