Cercle canadien : Panel on the Mining Industry

Mining, Capital and Innovation: Unlocking Value for Quebec and Canada

Québec and Canada possess significant strategic mineral resources, but how can we fully capitalize on them and turn this potential into lasting value? Against a backdrop of the energy transition, intensifying global competition, and the need to secure supply chains, the development of major mining projects raises critical questions around financing, investment, and economic sovereignty.
This panel will bring together leading industry stakeholders to discuss the role of private capital, institutional investors, and governments in advancing large-scale, transformative projects. Drawing on real-world experience, panelists will explore the economic and regional benefits of these investments, the cyclical nature of the sector, financing and permitting challenges, and the conditions required to develop responsible projects that create long-term value.

At the heart of the conversation will be one central question: How can we turn our natural resources into a true engine of prosperity for Quebec and Canada?

The panel will be moderated by Stéphanie Grammond, Editor-in-Chief of La Presse.
 

Please note that the panel will be in French.

 

 

Biographies

 

Yannick Beaudoin

Yannick Beaudoin is the President and CEO of Canada Growth Fund Investment Management Inc. (CGFIM). In this capacity he is responsible for the $15B Fund’s portfolio construction strategy and investment execution activities, in alignment with Canada Growth Fund’s important mandate to unlock investment in Canada’s energy, natural resources and clean technology sectors to grow Canada’s economy and promote efficient and cost-effective emissions reductions across the country. Until recently Yannick was Managing Director, Head of Asia-Pacific and Europe, Natural Resources at the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), where he oversaw a portfolio of over $8 billion. Prior to joining PSP Investments, Yannick was Vice President of Corporate Finance and Development at Gildan Activewear and Director of Strategic Development at Molson Coors Brewing Company in Denver, Colorado. Yannick holds an MBA from McGill University, a BAA from the École des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) of Montréal, the Director designation (ICD.D) from the Institute of Corporate Directors, as well as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

David Cataford

David Cataford joined Champion Iron in 2014. He held the position of Chief Operating Officer before being appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company in 2019. 

Mr. Cataford steered the recovery of assets, the restart of the Bloom Lake Mine, and today leads all of the Company's growth initiatives with the support of a team of close to 1,800 employees and trust-based partnerships with First Nations communities. Under his leadership, Champion Iron completed the acquisition of Rana Gruber, expanding the Company's portfolio of assets and strengthening its position as a global supplier of high-purity iron ore produced with a low-carbon footprint.

Prior to joining Champion Iron, he held various management positions with other mining companies operating in the Labrador Trough, including Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. and ArcelorMittal. He was also co-founder and president of the North Shore and Labrador Mineral Processing Society. 

Mr. Cataford holds a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from Université Laval. His career path has earned him several awards, including the Young Mining Professionals Award and the Brendan Woods International Top Gun CEO Award.
 

Eric Desaulniers

Eric Desaulniers, a geologist by trade specialized in geophysics and 3D earth modelling, is the Founder, President and CEO of Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG).
Before discovering the Matawinie deposit that launched NMG, Desaulniers directed ED Exploration, a consulting firm providing geological and geophysical services to the mineral industry. He also led large-scale international geophysical data acquisition and interpretation projects at Sander Geophysics.
Since the foundation of NMG, he has led the advancement of the Matawinie Mine Project from exploration through feasibility studies, engineering, permitting and financing, while securing a strong shareholder and customer base. The Matawinie Mine, now under construction, has been recognized by the Government of Canada as a Major Project of National Interest, underscoring its importance to Canada’s critical minerals strategy, strengthening energy security and supporting resilient and diversified North American supply chains.
Today, under his leadership, NMG is advancing one of the first fully integrated natural graphite production platforms in the G7 with the Matawinie Mine and the 13ktpy Bécancour Battery Material Plant, for which a Final Investment Decision is targeted in the upcoming months.
In addition, M. Desaulniers was recently appointed to Canada’s Strategic Exports Advisory Council and the Board of Directors of XXIX Metal.

 

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