As we continue to distance ourselves from the lockdown, 2023 began to feel more familiar compared to the preceding years marked by our return to major markets such as Chile, South Africa, Peru, Mexico, and Australia and local events such as CIM and PDAC.
However, with the Pandemic behind us, a new consideration has emerged that most companies have not had to weigh quite heavily in their business plans over the past decades – that is one of Geopolitical Risk.
The ongoing conflicts like Ukraine and Russia, tensions between China and the US, and new dynamics in the Middle East, compounded by shifts in global supply chains influenced by initiatives like the United States Inflation Reduction Act, could potentially reshape trade regions, creating varying degrees of risk. Additionally, this year sees a historic number of voters heading to the polls in at least 64 countries, adding to global uncertainty.
Yet there are opportunities. The energy transition and the hunt to secure the supply of critical minerals are creating the potential for substantial growth in mining in many regions around the world including our own country either through the expansion of existing operations or the development of new mines. Although there are headwinds such as challenges in funding projects and permitting timelines, governments at all levels are keenly aware of addressing such challenges and the governments that can address these issues will boom with development.
Given these uncertainties and opportunities, MSTA CANADA cannot afford to remain passive. Therefore, we have initiated a strategic review of our mandate and vision to ensure relevance for both current and new members.
I want to underscore two truths about MSTA CANADA’s relevance: your participation and engagement sustain us, and your success defines us. I have stated this before – the happiest members are the most engaged members. I look forward to what we can achieve together to foster growth and maintain relevance.
Updated MSTA CANADA Board Members (Click to read more)
As always, I want to thank the staff of MSTA CANADA for their passion to make a difference and add value. I want to thank Stuart Lister for his support as Treasurer over the past few years and welcome Rami Faour to fill his shoes as our new Treasurer. And finally, I want to welcome back Marc Maurice and our newest addition to the Board Cameron Stockman. I am excited to have both Marc and Cameron join our Board as we kick off a new energetic path forward for the association.
