Hudbay Minerals has become the inaugural top-tier sponsor of this year’s Central Canada Mineral Exploration Convention, or CCMEC.

The company is the first to support the convention’s new highest sponsorship level, known as Au79Rush, recognizing Hudbay’s long-standing mining heritage and commitment to the region.

Vale and Rodren Drilling have also signed on as sponsors at other newly created levels.

Convention organizers say the sponsorship highlights growing confidence in the event, which brings together industry leaders, Indigenous partners, governments and suppliers.

CCMEC takes place November 2nd and 3rd in Winnipeg, with organizers reporting trade show booths are already 70 per cent sold.