Event Overview
This sideline event, held during the PDAC Convention in Toronto, will explore how Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and nuclear fuel are poised to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the mining sector. As global demand for clean energy rises, Canada’s mining companies are positioning the country to be a key player in the future of clean energy. With the growing recognition of nuclear energy’s role, SMRs offer a reliable, low-carbon energy solution to power mining operations, providing both electricity and heat.
This discussion will delve into the potential of SMRs to drive sustainability in mining, reduce emissions, and support the transition to a green energy future. Experts will highlight the synergy between SMRs, nuclear fuel, and mining, and explore the opportunities for innovation and growth in this critical sector. The event will gather policy makers, regulators, government representatives, industry leaders, and Indigenous communities from Canada, alongside international partners.
Speakers
Sponsors & Partners
The Honourable
Brian Jean
Minister of Energy and Minerals of Alberta
Brian Jean was sworn in as the Minister of Energy and Minerals on June 9, 2023. He previously served as the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development. Prior to his service as an elected official at the provincial level, Mr. Jean was a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2014 where he served as the Parliamentary Secretary to 3 different Ministers of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. He has also previously dedicated 11 years to private legal practice as partner at a large Northern Alberta law firm, primarily as a litigator, and owned several successful small businesses. Mr. Jean holds a Bachelor of Laws as well as a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Business Administration. Brian Jean was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fort McMurray-Conklin May 5, 2015, and as the Member for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche on March 16, 2022 and was re-elected on May 29, 2023.
Amir Vexler
President and Chief Executive Officer Centrus
Energy Corp.
Amir Vexler is president and chief executive officer of Centrus Energy Corp. He also serves on the company’s board of directors. Mr. Vexler has extensive experience in the nuclear fuel industry and a strong background in manufacturing, engineering services, commercial operations, and business development. Prior to joining Centrus, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Orano USA, overseeing Orano’s U.S. sales of nuclear fuel, decommissioning services, used nuclear fuel management, and medical isotopes as well as engineering and technology services for the federal government. Previously, Mr. Vexler spent 20 years at General Electric Company, where he served in a number of leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Operating Officer of Global Nuclear Fuels (GNF), a joint venture of GE and Hitachi. GNF is a global provider of nuclear fuel and related services. He earned a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Pierre Gratton
President and CEO
The Mining Association of Canada
(MAC)
Pierre Gratton was appointed President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) on June 1, 2011. Based in Ottawa, MAC is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry. Its members are engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi- fabrication. Prior to his appointment to MAC, Pierre was President and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC). From 1999-2008, Mr. Gratton served as Vice President, Sustainable Development and Public Affairs for the Mining Association of Canada (MAC). In this capacity, he was instrumental in the development of Towards Sustainable Mining, MAC’s flagship program that is gaining international recognition and adoption. In 2005-06, Mr. Gratton was honoured as a Distinguished Lecturer for the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM). Mr. Gratton is First Vice-President of the Interamerican Mining Society (SIM – Sociedad Interamericana de Mineria), former Chair of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame, Co-chair of the Green Mining Initiative Advisory Committee and sits on the Board of Ottawa’s Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Gratton holds an M.A. degree in political science, a B.A. from McGill University, and a third- degree black belt.
Honourable René Legacy
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board,
Minister responsible for Energy
Government of New Brunswick
René Legacy was first elected as MLA on September 14, 2020, in his riding of Bathurst West-Beresford and was re-elected in October 2024 in the redrawn riding of Bathurst. On November 4, 2024, he was sworn in as the Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, and Minister responsible for energy. Born and raised in the City of Bathurst, Rene Legacy built a successful career in the financial industry spanning a period of over 25 years, mostly comprised of executive roles with the Caisse populaires acadiènnes, then later named UNI Coopération Financière. Over those same years, Mr. Legacy has been an active community member in many leadership roles. Having the privilege of serving on many boards such as the Northern New Brunswick Airport Authority as president, Enterprise Chaleur as president, Conseil Canadien de la Coopération as Vice president, Conseil Économique du Nouveau Brunswick, ANBL as Audit Chair and more recently as chair of the Chaleur Regional Hospital Foundation $5M capital campaign. He was also instrumental in the revival of Bathurst Hospitality Days serving as president for many years and has been a strong advocate for early childhood literacy at a provincial level. His proudest accomplishment is having raised three successful sons, Christopher, Brandon and Stephen with his wife Brenda.