Welcome to the home of the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association


News and Events

• Registration is now open for our 10th Annual Thunder Bay Mining Day!
  Join us on June 14, 2025, as we celebrate a decade of showcasing Northwestern Ontario’s mining, exploration, and service industries.
  This year’s theme: Amethyst – Ontario’s Mineral Emblem, marking its 50th anniversary.
  From 400 attendees in year one to over 2,000 in 2024, let’s make this year even bigger! Register and sponsor here: Mining Day 2025 – Sponsor and Registration at www.thunderbayminingday.com
   
• 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!
  
  
• 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

 

• 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. 

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.