March 3, 2026- Toronto, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), attended the annual convention of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) to advance economic growth, and underscore Canada’s commitment to responsible mining and sustainable development.

Secretary of State Sarai announced a total of $8.1 million in funding for three Canada led projects on behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to support artisanal and small-scale mining projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. The announcement, made at the 27th Annual African Mining Breakfast, builds on Canada’s priorities during its G7 presidency to invest in artisanal mining and unlock critical minerals.

During his time at PDAC, Secretary of State Sarai was joined by Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a high-level roundtable with the Mining Association of Canada, where they emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening economic resilience and international assistance. He highlighted the essential need to support sustainability, gender equality and human rights, while strengthening health and education systems in the natural resources sector.

Secretary of State Sarai also participated in a roundtable discussion on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in the gold sector organized by the World Gold Council (WGC). He emphasized Canada’s support for the WGC’s Global Processing Initiative as a key solution to formalize and regulate ASM, and tackle challenges such as violence and corruption linked to illicit activities that undermine global economic security and the wellbeing of communities.

Secretary of State Sarai delivered opening remarks at the 27th Annual African Mining Breakfast & 24th Annual Investing in African Mining Seminar, attended by African ministers and industry leaders. He expressed Canadian priorities in the African region and reaffirmed Canada’s position as a strong partner in strengthening sustainable supply chains and supporting inclusive economic development. The session ended with closing remarks from Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant.

Throughout his attendance at PDAC, Secretary of State Sarai met with international counterparts, delegates and senior officials from private sector representatives.

His active engagement with partners reinforced Canada’s proactive efforts towards a shared prosperity agenda that supports partner countries’ development objectives, strengthens and diversifies key trading relationships, and advances economic resilience and sustainable development, helping build a more peaceful, secure, and inclusive global mining sector.