S-IMEW 2025
Shaping the future of exploration: S-IMEW 2025 unites students, mentors and industry
PDAC’s flagship student initiative returns to Sudbury, April 30th to May 15th, for its 16th year, offering hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and a powerful gateway into Canada’s mineral exploration sector.
Each year, select geoscience students from post-secondary institutions across Canada participate in the Student-Industry Mineral Exploration Workshop (S-IMEW).
This two-week, all-expenses-paid program offers a rare and immersive opportunity for upper-year geoscience students to explore the full spectrum of the mineral exploration industry — from hands-on technical fieldwork to real-world insights into the economics, social, and environmental sides of the sector.
Designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice, S-IMEW connects students with professionals, and organizations, shaping the future of exploration in Canada and beyond.
The Twenty-Five of 2025
This year’s S-IMEW cohort brought together a vibrant mix of students from across Canada. Each participant arrived with a unique background and perspective but all shared a common passion: a desire to learn, connect, and explore the many paths available within the mineral exploration industry.
Throughout the intensive two-week program, students immersed themselves in hands-on fieldwork, technical sessions, and meaningful discussions with professionals from across the sector. More than just a crash course in how the industry works, S-IMEW offered a deeper understanding of the wide-ranging careers, challenges, and exciting opportunities that define the world of mineral exploration.
“Hearing from so many professionals and learning about the turns their careers have taken really shaped my vision. I feel ready to seize every opportunity ahead and say yes to every challenge that will help me grow.”
-Maria O’Neill, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Industry leaders inspire tomorrow’s trailblazers
Over 100 sponsors and industry professionals support PDAC’s mission to foster skills development and introduce the next generation of talent to the diverse career opportunities in the minerals industry. The continued success of the program is a testament to their shared commitment to education and the development of future industry leaders.
Their contributions help students gain more than just knowledge — they offer real-world insight, mentorship, and a richer knowledge of the industry they’re preparing to enter.
For many returning presenters, S-IMEW is more than a chance to give back — it’s a highlight of their year.
“S-IMEW is a great way to give back and support the next generation of geoscientists. It’s rewarding to see students connect classroom learning with real-world exploration challenges. The conversations, questions, and hands-on activities make it a meaningful experience—for them, and for those of us who volunteer.”
-Pam Coles, P.Geo, Chief Geophysicist @ Abitibi Geophysics
From Students to Mentors
With nearly 450 alumni across Canada, S-IMEW’s impact goes far beyond the two-week workshop. The success of its graduates reflects the program’s enduring value — and many remain connected long after the experience ends.
Each year, former students return as presenters, sharing fresh insights and lived experience back to where it all began. Their continued involvement speaks to the strong, lasting community that S-IMEW fosters, where alumni stay engaged, give back and grow together.
“S-IMEW didn’t just open the door to mineral exploration for me—it showed me that I belonged in the room. It gave me the confidence to take up space, be myself, and trust that my voice mattered in an industry where everyone has something unique to offer. That’s why I’m excited to be back as a volunteer: to help others discover the same sense of belonging and possibility.”
-Joy Carter, Project Geologist at IAMGOLD Corporation , S-IMEW 2019 alumna
As Karen Rees, PDAC’s President highlights, S-IMEW isn’t just an important program for the students — it’s a vital part of PDAC’s ongoing mission. By investing in the next generation of geoscientists, PDAC is ensuring the industry remains innovative, diverse, and ready to face the challenges of the future.
“Students and early career professionals are the future of our industry. The earlier we engage and support them, the more inspired and prepared they will be to contribute meaningfully to the sector.
Programs like S-IMEW and the Student and Early Career program at the Convention are powerful entry points - they expose participants to industry leaders, practical experiences, and real-world insights that are not often available in the classroom.”-Karen Rees, President of PDAC
