Greater Sudbury to host major international mining conference

Greater Sudbury, in partnership with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, is hosting the 2024 OECD Conference of Mining Regions and Cities. (File photo of Science North taken by Sudbury photographer Gary Lachapelle)

Greater Sudbury, in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, is hosting the 2024 OECD Conference of Mining Regions and Cities.

The conference, which takes place Oct. 8 -11 at the Holiday Inn, includes “more than 300 global delegates across the public and private sectors, academia, civil society and Indigenous representatives to discuss practices and strategies to increase well-being in mining regions,” the city said in a news release.

"Greater Sudbury is honoured to be hosting the 5th OECD Meeting of Mining Regions and Cities Conference this fall," Mayor Paul Lefebvre said in the release.

"Our city's deep-rooted expertise and commitment to sustainable practices make it an ideal venue to come together and collaborate on policy development that advances equality, opportunity, prosperity and well-being for all stakeholders in the mining sector.”

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The fifth edition of the OECD conference focuses on two key topics: partnering for meaningful development in mining regions, and future-proofing regional mineral supply for the energy transition. There will also be a special focus on Indigenous communities in mining regions.

“Together we will identify actions to build a shared vision and strong partnerships to support these dual goals,” the release said.

“It is a real pleasure to host this OECD Conference in the Robinson-Huron Treaty area of the many Anishinabek Nations in central Canada,” Dawn Madahbee Leach, chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, Manager, Waubetek Business Development Corporation, said in the release.

“A significant part of this conference is how to best engage Indigenous communities in the global need for critical minerals, because inclusion is imperative to the business cases of mine development and expansion. The voice, input, and involvement of Indigenous communities will ensure development occurs sustainably.”

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Focus on mining, mineral processing

Since its inception in 2016, the conference has brought groups together to deliberate on policies and strategies to attain greater economic, social and environmental well-being outcomes in regions specializing in mining and mineral processing.

“This conference is a timely discussion amid increasing global attention on ensuring that the growing demand for minerals enhances long-term development for local and Indigenous communities while minimizing environmental impacts,” said Andres Sanabria, coordinator of the OECD Mining Regions and Cities Initiative.

“Sudbury is an inspiring place to discuss about building new partnerships to maximize local benefits from mining, especially with regards to meaningful interactions with Indigenous communities.”

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For details on the conference and to view the agenda, click here.