This January marked my 15th year in Vancouver, with my closest thousand friends in the minerals and metals sector, as we descended on the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC 2025) and the AME BC’s Mineral Exploration Roundup. This year was different and exciting, as it was the first time I had the chance to dive deeply into the talks and trends, check out the trades shows and connect with colleagues. There was a lot to discover and explore and I returned north with a few takeaways.
Geopolitical Stability and the Canadian Advantage:
Sessions were packed and overflowing at VRIC with speakers from Canada and the USA alike sharing perspectives and insights on global tensions. From Canada-USA impending tariffs, to access and security of the Arctic Passage (a crucial conversation for NWT, Nunavut and Canada), to globally disrupted supply chains and technological and trade networks – geopolitical stability was highlighted as paramount to investment decision-makers. The take-away – Canada’s stable sector is a competitive advantage and positioning as a reliable source for critical minerals and metals is essential, but we need to get them to market responsibly and efficiently.
Hottest Acronym – AI, AI and AI:
Industry loves its acronyms, and it was all about AI at both conferences. Artificial Intelligence is and will be transformative for Industry. In communications, AI is being leveraged today by many of us and it’s creating greater efficiency and good foundation but exercise caution on press releases and social media to ensure accuracy and authenticity. It might also be the first time I have heard quantum computing on stage, in the aisles and at receptions. These advancements are crucial, and our rapid adoption as an Industry will be critical.
Quote:
There’s several races taking place right now between China and the US. China is investing very heavily in AI, so are American companies… Quantum communications, which I think China is leading in, which is ability to communicate through photons which cannot ever be intercepted, it’s a very secure, safe system. – Frank Guistra – On the Jay Martin Show.
Indigenous Leadership:
This hot topic came as no surprise as Indigenous governments and businesses in the North, BC and Canada continue to have increasing leadership, investment and ownership in minerals and metals. Kicking off roundup week, the Tlicho Government (NWT) and Fortescue, signed an MOU exemplifying a collaborative approach to mineral exploration and development. Additionally, the potential investment in the Minto Mine by the Selkirk First Nation would mark a pivotal development in equity ownership and operations of critical minerals in Canada. Congratulations as well goes to Tahltan Nation Development Corporation the recipient of the 2024 AME Robert R. Hedley Award for Excellence in Social and Environmental Responsibility.
Celebrating the Best of the Best:
Scott Berdahl and I grew up in Yukon together, and I’d have bet on him being rocket scientist, and I’d happily have lost it, as he’s become a rock star in mining. Snowline Gold’s Valley deposit is one of the most significant gold discoveries in Yukon – and that’s saying something given our gold history. Capping of a great year, he received the 2024 AME H.H. “Spud” Huestis Award. Also close to home, Archer, Cathro and Associates (1981) Limited, was recognized for their leadership in developing a culture of safety in exploration in the Yukon over the past 60 years winning the 2024 AME David Barr Award. Congrats to Scott and Heather, your teams and all the AME award recipients.
The Real Gold at a Conference:
The real gold nuggets of the event were after hours – connecting with everyone – from every area of our sector, including at fundraisers for important charities. Shout out to Nancy and entire team at Global Change for Children and meeting and exceeding the goal this year.
Final Thought:
It’s crucial for Industry, businesses, governments, and Indigenous leadership to be in the same place at the same time, focused on one of our most critical conversations – how to responsibly, sustainably, economically and efficiently extract our minerals and metals for Canada and the globe.
