Mining convention glitters in boom times

Casino games, comedians, big band music, black tie cocktail parties, magic tricks and a celebrity chef all at the same bash, which could only mean one thing: the prospectors are coming to town.

But seriously, the global mining industry's biggest annual blast, otherwise known as the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada convention, kicks off in high style today in Toronto for the 75th year amid continued boom times for all things metallic despite the odd hiccup.

Last week's volatile stock market that put pressure on mining stocks and metals prices will be a big part of the buzz at the conference this year as everyone wonders: Is this the beginning of the end of the remarkable run-up in resources?

Either way organizers expect a record crowd of up to 18,000 through Wednesday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for what's considered the motherlode of international mining finance and the must-attend industry shindig of the year.

More than half the capital for all global exploration and mining projects is raised in Toronto, including a good chunk of it here this week in the hallways and into the wee hours in the hospitality suites where, of course, there's no shortage of sales pitches and tall tales being told over a beverage.

Read the full article at TheStar.com >>