S-IMEW
S-IMEW 2026
Shaping the future of exploration: S-IMEW 2026 unites students and industry
PDAC’s flagship student initiative was held from April 29 to May 14, for its 17th edition, providing hands-on learning and a strong entry point into Canada’s mineral exploration industry.
The Twenty-Four of 2026
This year’s S-IMEW cohort featured a dynamic group of students representing various universities and regions across Canada. While each participant brought their own experiences and viewpoints, they were united by a shared curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, building connections, and discovering the diverse opportunities within the mineral exploration field.
Over the course of this intensive two-week program, students engaged in practical field activities, technical workshops, and valuable conversations with industry professionals. S-IMEW provided an in-depth look at the broad range of careers, real-world challenges, and exciting prospects that shape today’s mineral exploration industry.
“I feel really privileged to be here at S-IMEW. I’ve been learning so many things beyond what I studied I my degree, from business aspects to regulation and more. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet an amazing network of students from across Canada, along with inspiring industry-professionals. “
-Marissa Pimentel, Simon Fraser University
Industry leaders supporting the next generation of talent
More than 100 sponsors and industry professionals contribute to PDAC’s ongoing mission of building skills and introducing emerging talent to the wide range of career paths within the minerals sector. The program reflects the ongoing commitment of sponsors and industry volunteers to develop the next generation of talent.
Their involvement goes beyond sharing technical knowledge — it provides students with practical perspectives, lived experiences, and a deeper understanding of the sector they are preparing to join.
For many returning presenters, S-IMEW is not only an opportunity to give back, but also a meaningful and highly anticipated highlight of their year.
“My advice to students is that it’s very important to be open to new experiences, flexible and to work on a diverse skill set. There’s so much opportunity and there’s so much change that it’s important to keep up.”
-Scott Berdahl, CEO & Director of Snowline Gold
From participants to industry contributors
With close to 450 alumni across Canada, S-IMEW’s influence extends well beyond the two-week program. The achievements of its graduates highlight the lasting impact of the experience, with many participants maintaining strong connections long after the workshop concludes.
Each year, former students return as presenters, bringing new perspectives and firsthand industry experience back to the program that helped launch their journey. Their continued participation reflects the strong community fostered through S-IMEW, where alumni continue to support each other and grow together.
“Coming back to S-IMEW as Co-Chair, after having participated as a student means a lot to me. I graduated from university at a tough time in the industry, and it was the connections that I made here that gave me those first jobs in the industry and helped me get established. I may not be a geologist without S-IMEW, and now I own a company that employs eight of them. This is me paying forward to future next generations of young geoscientists and paying back to PDAC for the generosity they bestowed on me.“
-David Murray, founder of Resourceful Geoscience Solutions & PDAC Director
S-IMEW 2010 Alumnus
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, PDAC President
