SASKATOON, Sask. — Leaders and innovators from around the world's mining and mineral analysis community are gathered in Saskatoon this week for the 2026 Canadian Mineral Analysts (CMA) Conference and Exhibition, co-hosted this year by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) and the Canadian Light Source (CLS).
Held annually in a different Canadian city, this year's conference and exhibition runs to Sept. 17 at the Sheraton Cavalier in downtown Saskatoon. Organizers say there are more than 130 registrants from across the globe at the 2026 event, the largest conference attendance seen by CMA in the last several years.
The CMA, formed in 1969, is an association of Canadian earth science, mineral exploration and mining analytical laboratories in government, academic institutions, the mining industry and the private sector.
This year's conference agenda features presentations from industry experts covering the latest developments in mineral analysis, laboratory quality, analytical methods, geochemistry, emerging technologies and more. Conference keynote speakers are Dr. Joseph Essilfie-Dughan with ORANO Canada Inc. and Dr. Matt Lindsay, a professor with the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Geological Sciences.
"On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, I welcome all those attending this year's Canadian Mineral Analysts Conference, which provides an opportunity to connect with and learn from some of the leading minds tackling some of mining's most complex environmental challenges and shaping the future of mineral science," Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) Warren Kaeding said.
The conference agenda also includes nearly 20 "technical talks" from CMA members and special guests, covering topics such as critical minerals and rare earth elements, automated indicator mineral analysis, the use of AI in mining, best practices for lab training and many more.
"As a leader in Canada's mining support services industry, SRC is proud to be co-hosting this year's CMA conference in Saskatoon," SRC President and CEO Mike Crabtree noted.
"This event allows CMA members the opportunity to gather with their peers in the shared pursuit of education and innovation in the world of mining and mineral analysis."
Early arrivals were treated to guided tours of SRC and CLS facilities on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 13.
"We look forward to sharing how our unique analytical capabilities help industry and researchers better understand minerals, materials and environmental processes and support innovation and sustainability across Canada's mining sector," CLS Interim CEO Ingrid Pickering said.
"This year's 58th annual CMA conference brings together mineral exploration and mining analytical industry in government, academia and private sector with manufacturers and suppliers of instruments and equipment for analytical laboratories and suppliers of laboratory consumables," CMA Managing Secretary Ed Debicki said.
"This is a valuable opportunity for the exchange of ideas, latest technologies and innovations by way of a technical program, trade show, tours, networking and collaboration."
More information about the 2026 CMA Conference can be found at cma2026.ca.
