THUNDER BAY — Natural resource industry leaders and those looking to enter the field will have a unique opportunity to meet and discuss the latest developments and opportunities in mining, forestry, and energy.
The second annual Central Canada Resource Expo, or Cen-Can, is returning to Thunder Bay this week, showcasing some of the technological advancements in the resource sector.
“It’s a convergence of exhibitors and manufactures connected to the resource industry, both forestry and mining and a bit of energy,” said Rory Dredhart, with Canadian TradeEx market development. “It’s a networking event that allows manufactures to connect with suppliers and discover latest technologies.”
The expo was held last September in Thunder Bay and Dredhart said it was very well received and had a very strong turnout.
This year the expo will be held at the Fort William Gardens this Wednesday and Thursday and will include more than 300 exhibitors.
The Ontario Minister of Mines, George Pirie, will also be attending Thursday and will give an address at the Elk’s Lodge during the lunch hour.
Dredhart said with the area around the city of Thunder Bay seeing new discoveries in minerals, such as gold and lithium needed to fuel the future carbon free society, it is important to gather industry and suppliers together to share new technological developments in natural resources.
“There are all kinds of opportunities north of Thunder Bay up in the Ring of Fire and Red Lake is an awesome gold producing community. You have an abundance of resources in and around this area, and also including for the last 100 odd years the forest industry,” he said.
“The mines themselves, the mills, will see new technology. The suppliers will connect with the primary manufactures like the mills and the loggers and the mines. They spend millions of dollars. They have to be competitive in today’s marketplace. You will see an influx of individuals connected to that industry coming to this event to get the latest in technology and exchange ideas and network as well.”
There will also be opportunities for those interested in becoming involved in the natural resource sector, with more than 90 companies on site accepting resumes.
“Those individuals who are seeking employment can come to the event and speak to training facilitators as well as companies that are hiring,” Dredhart said. “So if you don’t have the skill set, you can locate a service or agency to get you the skill set. If you have the skill set, then you can locate a company looking for you.”
The Cen-Can Expo will get under way on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and continue Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the Cen-Can Expo website and the promo code: ExpoEM23 can be used for a discount.
