By James Hyland
Vancouver, B.C. — January 29, 2024 — Last week, Vancouver became the nexus of global mineral exploration as the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) held its 41st annual AME BC Roundup Conference. This premier event marked a significant milestone, recording the highest attendance since 2019, with over 6,200 delegates from 41 countries. Geoscientists, prospectors, Indigenous partners, financiers, investors, suppliers, and government representatives convened to ‘explore for value’ and delve into the latest trends, tools, and knowledge pivotal to the minerals industry.
The event’s allure was further heightened by the Discovery Day, which saw an unprecedented public turnout of 1,200. Participants engaged in a plethora of fun, hands-on, and interactive displays, getting an immersive experience of mineral exploration and mining.
Keerit Jutla, President & CEO of AME, encapsulated the spirit of the conference, stating, “Every January, AME’s Roundup plays an important role in facilitating conversations about the future of our industry. The passion, expertise, and perseverance of our members and attendees were clearly on display, as we gained inspiration for exploration projects that will ultimately supply the minerals and metals required for our high-tech, low-carbon future.”
Keerit Jutla, President & CEO of AME
The conference wasn’t just about discussions; it was about actionable insights and support from the highest governmental levels. The Hon. David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, graced the event with his presence, announcing the first phase of a made-in-BC critical minerals strategy. This strategy underscores the government’s commitment to sustained and augmented mineral exploration in the province, highlighted by the third-highest annual exploration spending recorded in BC over the past decade.
Yet, the dialogue at the AME Roundup transcended financial commitments. It ventured into the realms of industry competitiveness, the necessity of modernizing the Mineral Tenure Act, and the essence of a collaborative approach involving government, Indigenous rightsholders, and the industry. Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, reiterated the government’s commitment, emphasizing, “Our priority is to continue working together with industry and First Nations – through our made-in-B.C. Critical Minerals Strategy – to expedite the growth of critical minerals development in B.C.”
The conference’s roster of key speakers was nothing short of impressive, featuring influential figures such as Parliamentary Secretary Marc Serré, Premier Ranj Pillai, Shannon Baskerville, Tania Demchuk, and notable Indigenous leaders like Chief Ian Campbell and Dr. Amy Parent. These conversations weren’t just about policies and strategies; they were about setting a course for a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking mining and exploration sector.
AME Roundup 2024 wasn’t merely a conference; it was a clarion call to action and collaboration. It served as a melting pot for ideas, fostering an environment where diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords but core values earnestly integrated into the very fabric of the industry. As the voice of the mineral exploration and development industry in BC, AME remains steadfast in its commitment to this journey of learning, sharing, and evolving.
In conclusion, AME Roundup 2024 set a new benchmark for industry gatherings. With heartfelt gratitude, AME extends its thanks to the Patron Sponsor, Teck Resources Limited, Platinum Sponsors Anglo American and Newmont, and all the companies and organizations that have been pillars of support throughout the year. The conference may have concluded, but the conversations, insights, and collaborations it fostered are sure to resonate and shape the future of mineral exploration and mining.
