France @ PDAC2026: Mining Expertise, Innovation & Partnerships
From France to Canada: Driving Mining Innovation and Investment
Building on the France–Canada Memorandum of Understanding, the French Embassy in Canada and Business France join forces at PDAC 2026 to highlight French expertise across the mining and critical minerals value chain.
This high-level session brings together public leaders, industry executives, innovators, and investors to discuss France’s critical minerals strategy, recent advances in mineral resources, and concrete France–Canada industrial and financial partnerships.
The program features a keynote address by the French Special Envoy for Critical Minerals, a case study on the Torngat Metals × Carester partnership, and a financial panel exploring how public and private capital can accelerate the development of strategic mining and critical materials projects.
The session will conclude with a showcase of the French mining ecosystem active in Canada, followed by a networking cocktail to foster new partnerships.
AGENDA:
14:45 – Welcome remarks
14:47 – Opening remarks
H.E. Michel Miraillet, Ambassador of France to Canada
Representative, Natural Resources Canada
15:00 – Keynote | France’s Critical Minerals Strategy and Priorities
Benjamin Gallezot, French Special Envoy for Strategic Minerals and Metals Supplies
15:15 – France’s Mineral Resources: Latest Insights and Outlook
Christophe Poinssot, Deputy CEO, BRGM
15:25 – France–Canada Mining & Industrial Partnerships: From Strategy to Delivery
Case study: Torngat Metals × Carester
With Maryse Bélanger, Board Chair, Torngat Metals
and Frédéric Carencotte, CEO, Carester
15:50 – Financing Mining and Critical Materials Projects
Panel discussion with French and Canadian financial institutions
Thomas Lagrée, Partner Associate, Infravia
Chloé Tacconi, Director, Battery, Mining and Industries, Société Générale
Tushar Handiekar, VP Structured and Project Finance, Export Development Canada
16:15 – From Mine Development to Operations: How French Innovation Delivers Performance and Sustainability in Canada
16:45 – Closing remarks
16:50 – Networking cocktail
⚠️ Limited capacity – RSVP required to secure your spot.