What to Expect
Who Should Attend CMA 2026?
Earth science, mineral exploration, or mining analytical laboratories in government, academic institutions, the mining industry, and the private sector.
All analysts in the mining industry or other technical personnel directly connected with the provision of analyses.
Quality professionals who want to stay ahead of evolving standards and best practices in geoscience should attend. CMA 2026 is an opportunity to learn about innovations that enhance compliance, data integrity, and process efficiency.
Manufacturers and suppliers of instruments and equipment for analytical laboratories, and suppliers of laboratory consumables.
If you work in the mineral analysis industry and are interested in expanding your expertise and developing lasting contacts with colleagues in the mining industry, this conference is right for you.
Students are encouraged to come and learn from industry experts, and create connections for their future careers.
Technical Talk Submissions
Our call for technical talks is now closed. Technical talks will be presented on the following themes:
Looking Ahead: New Methods and Innovations in the Lab and on the Road
Advancements in Critical Mineral Analyses
Advancements in Spectroscopy
How AI and Automation are Changing the Game
Improving Sample Preparation and Best Practices
Enhance: Trace Metal Analysis
Advancing the Canadian Mining Industry
Environmental Analysis
Exploration to Mine Closure: Techniques that Support the Mining Cycle
Analyzing the North: Exploration through Production - How Science Benefits Northern Communities
CALA Workshops
This year, we will be offering two half‑day CALA workshops:
ISO/IEC 17025 Essentials
Do you know how the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 impact your laboratory’s success?
This exclusive half-day training course is your opportunity to explore essentials of ISO/IEC 17025. Ideal for professionals at all levels - from lab technicians to senior management - this course will guide you through the core requirements of the standard and demonstrate how they can be effectively applied in your laboratory setting.
What you’ll gain:
Insight into the fundamental requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and their practical application in mineral laboratories.
Proven strategies and best practices to enhance your lab’s processes and comply with global standards.
Tools to drive continuous improvement, ensuring your lab remains at the forefront of industry standards.
Strengthen your laboratory’s quality performance and strategic direction. This course equips you with the knowledge to address operational challenges and maximize your lab’s potential for excellence.
ISO/IEC 17025 Internal and External Audits: From Preparation to Execution
Unlock the key to effective auditing in your ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory with our focused half-day training course! Designed for auditors, managers, and laboratory personnel, this course covers the vital purpose of internal audits, covering best practices and preparation strategies.
In this course, participants will:
Understand the objectives and benefits of internal audits in maintaining compliance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Explore best practices for planning, conducting, and reporting audits effectively.
Learn how to prepare for an audit or assessment, ensuring your team is ready to showcase their compliance and quality efforts.
Join us to enhance your audits and ensure your laboratory is always audit-ready!
Networking
Join us for networking events designed to help you connect with peers, share insights, and spark new opportunities. These sessions offer a welcoming atmosphere where meaningful conversations lead to lasting professional relationships. Whether you’re exploring collaborations or simply expanding your circle, this is your chance to build connections that matter.
Ice Breaker at High Key Brewing: 6-9 pm, Sunday, September 13th
Welcome Reception at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel: 6:30 -10 pm, Monday, September 14th
Gala Event at the Remai Modern: Tuesday, September 15th
Tours
Tours of the Canadian Light Source, Canada's only synchrotron, and the Saskatchewan Research Council's Geoanalytical Laboratory, Canada's second largest research and technology organization.
Registration for tours are now FULL!
The Canadian Light Source (CLS) is a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan, and the only synchrotron in Canada.
Unique in North America, the CLS Industry Services team provides full-service solutions to businesses, with industry-friendly intellectual property terms. CLS’s research capabilities support all aspects of the mining cycle, from exploration to processing to tailings management. Synchrotron-specific techniques such as X-ray Spectroscopy, Diffraction and Imaging add value to the mining sector as powerful complimentary tools to conventional laboratory equipment.
On this tour of the CLS, Industry Service scientific experts will share the unique applications of CLS’s analytical capabilities and accompany attendees to key research stations where they will see first-hand where the experiments happen.
The Geoanalytical Laboratories tour at the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) will provide an opportunity to explore advanced laboratory facilities and analytical techniques used in mineral exploration and mining. Participants will learn about sample preparation, geochemical analysis, mineral characterization, and quality assurance processes for commodities such as uranium, potash, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, diamonds, and base metals.
