TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/19/13 -- The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Event Series at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada's (PDAC) annual convention will bring together experts in mining and sustainable development for what is becoming a key event for the industry to learn about and discuss CSR issues.

"The CSR Event Series is seeing increased interest because exploration and mining companies have recognized that CSR plays a central role in all their business operations," says PDAC Executive Director Ross Gallinger. "Companies are keen to learn from people who are engaged in CSR on a daily basis and who speak from direct experience."

The CSR sessions provide a forum for learning and discussion, and cover a range of issues related to sustainable development in the mineral exploration and mining industries. Last year's sessions had standing room only, and interest in the series is expected to be high again this year.

Attendees will hear from the Responsible Jewellery Council, Solidaridad, the International Financial Corporation, the Government of Canada, Resource Initiatives, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), among others.

ICMM's CEO Panel, now in its second year at the CSR Event Series, will focus on the contribution of the mining and metals industry to sustainable development. Over 300 mining executives and investors are expected to attend the session, where five panellists will explore the benefits, costs, and risks and responsibilities relating to mining and metals in today's world.

"ICMM and its members are proud to support and participate in the CSR series," says ICMM President Anthony Hodge. "The PDAC Convention is the biggest in the mining calendar. It is a great opportunity for ICMM to engage constructively with practitioners in the sector to explore mining's contribution to sustainable development."

The CSR Event Series is open to convention delegates and the public, and is free to attend. Registration is not required. For more information, visit www.pdac.ca.

About the PDAC

The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is a national association representing the mineral exploration and development industry with over 10,000 individual and corporate members. The PDAC Convention-the mineral industry's largest annual event-takes place March 3 - 6, 2013, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.