Welcome to the home of the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association


News and Events

• Once again, the North West Ontario Prospectors Association (NWOPA) is pleased to present the NWOPA Showcase, taking place April 8–9 at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
  This year’s event is titled “30 Years of Highlighting the Exploration of Northwest Ontario” and will celebrate three decades of mineral exploration, prospecting, and industry development across the region.The Showcase brings together prospectors, exploration companies, industry professionals, and stakeholders to highlight past successes and future opportunities in Northwestern Ontario’s mineral sector.
  Contact:
  [email protected]

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• 2026 ANNUAL NW TRAPPERS CONVENTION – THUNDER BAY
  The NW Trappers Convention took place on March 6&7 at the CLE Coliseum in Thunder Bay. 

• October 16, 2025 – The 2025-2026 Officers were elected as follows:  Percy Clark (President), Mike Grant (Vice-President), Cyndee Komar (Treasurer/Secretary) joined by Directors Alan Aubut, Katrina Bjorkman, Troy Gallik, Rudy Wahl, Ryan Hrkac, Carl Nagy and newcomer Erik Petersen.

• The annual general meeting of the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association took place on October 16, 2025.  Up to five Directors will be elected for a two-year term.  If you would like more information on the AGM or obtaining a current membership, please contact NWOPA Secretary at [email protected]

• On August 25, 2025, NWOPA Directors met with the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State responsible for the CRA, as part of federal pre-budget consultations. NWOPA emphasized the urgent need to restore trust with Indigenous communities, improve access to land and security of tenure for prospectors, and support critical infrastructure such as an additional highway through Nipigon and all-weather roads to Ontario’s far north. We advocated for continued and enhanced flow-through funding, fulfillment of earlier commitments like potable water for all communities, and renewed government support for Impact and Benefit agreements. The association also raised concerns about unresolved land claims, the carbon tax’s negative impact on resource industries, and the importance of reliable energy solutions, including hydro projects and small modular reactors. More details.

• The Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association (NWOPA) proudly hosted the Prospectors Tent during the 2025 Central Canada Resource Expo (CEN-CAN Expo). This industry-leading event took place in Thunder Bay at Fort William Gardens on September 10–11, 2025, a two-day gathering featuring over 300 exhibits, live equipment demos, insightful presentations, a job fair, and more

• Thank you for making our 10th Annual Thunder Bay Mining Day a success!
  Held on June 14, 2025, this year’s event marked a decade of celebrating Northwestern Ontario’s mining, exploration, and service industries.
  With the 2025 theme “Amethyst – Ontario’s Mineral Emblem”, commemorating its 50th anniversary, the event welcomed thousands of attendees and showcased the strength and future of our region’s mineral sector.
  From just 400 attendees in our first year to over 2,000 in 2024, and even more in 2025 — your support has helped Mining Day grow every year.
  Visit www.thunderbayminingday.com for photos, highlights, and updates on future events.
   
• Ontario Prospectors Association Symposium 2025! The Ontario Prospectors Association  Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) embarked on an exciting new chapter in 2025, marked by the successful OPA Symposium 2025. The event highlighted key updates on our revitalization efforts and the future direction of the organization. Attendees heard presentations from companies, prospectors, and the Ontario Government, and explored displays from service providers, prospectors, and government representatives.​

• 2025 NWO Fur Trappers Convention
  The NW Trappers Convention took place on February 28 to March 1 at the CLE
  Coliseum in Thunder Bay. The convention promotes education, awareness and
  management practices of the fur industry and is attended by trappers, hunters,
  fishermen, and other outdoor enthusiasts from the local area as well as northwestern
  Ontario.

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• Thank You for Joining Us at the CIM-WIM-NWOPA Christmas Party!
  We are excited to share that our festive celebration was a resounding success! On Thursday, December 5, 2024, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with the Exploration and Mining Community at the beautiful Sleeping Giant Brewery.
  The evening was filled with engaging conversations, delightful refreshments, and plenty of seasonal cheer. It was wonderful to see so many industry colleagues come together in a warm and relaxed setting, making the event truly memorable.
  A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of our CIM-WIM-NWOPA Christmas Party. We look forward to future opportunities to connect, celebrate, and collaborate with our amazing community.
  Happy Holidays, and see you at the next event!

• The Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association (NWOPA) proudly hosted the Prospectors Tent at the CEN-CAN Expo on September 11-12th, providing a valuable platform for prospectors, contractors, and junior exploration companies to showcase their projects and services. Held in Thunder Bay, the CEN-CAN Expo brought together members of the mining, energy, and construction industries, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and fostering cross-industry collaboration. 

 

• Ontario Prospectors Exploration Showcase "Exploration Finds Mines!" was held April 23 & 24, 2024 At The Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay

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• February 2nd and 3rd, 2024- The SEG Lakehead University Student Chapter and the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association (NWOPA) was held with a total of ~135 attendees. 

• October 28, 2024 – The 2024-2025 Officers were elected as follows: Mike Grant (President), Rudy Wahl (Vice-President), Cyndee Komar (Treasurer/Secretary) joined by Directors Alan Aubut, Katrina Bjorkman, Percy Clark, Troy Gallik, Ryan Hrkac, Carl Nagy and Theresa Nelson.

• The 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association was held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay

Current Metals Prices

Ore Deposits 101
Check out this series of videos from Sprott Global Investments giving an introduction to different ore deposit types in simple layman's terms.
(details)

This is Mine Life
Check out this short YouTube video on modern mine life from The Ontario Mining Association

Want to start prospecting for precious, base metals, and critical minerals within Ontario? Get started by obtaining a prospectors licence
How to Obtain a Prospector's Licence in
Ontario
Getting Started on the Mining Lands Administration System

The Regional Land Use Geologist (RLUG) with the Thunder Bay Ministry of Mines office can advise you regarding land use issues related to prospecting and mineral exploration issues. Call 807-632-1860.