UNLOCKING BC’S CRITICAL MINERALS VALUE CHAIN
By Jamie Hyland for MiningIR
With just one week to go, senior leaders from mining, finance, First Nations, and government are set to convene in Vancouver for the inaugural BC Critical Minerals Forum, taking place April 14–15 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.
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The Forum arrives at a pivotal moment for British Columbia’s critical minerals sector, bringing together key decision-makers to address both the opportunities and challenges shaping project development. Discussions will focus on financing pathways, Indigenous partnerships, permitting processes, and the infrastructure required to unlock new supply.
Senior federal and provincial government leadership will also be well represented at the Forum. From British Columbia, speakers include Fazil Mihlar and Kendra Johnston, while federal perspectives will be provided by Isabella Chan of Natural Resources Canada and Wendy Hadwen. Together, they will offer critical insight into policy direction, regulatory priorities, and the coordination between provincial and federal governments shaping Canada’s critical minerals strategy.
On the financing front, leading institutions—including the Canada Growth Fund, Canada Infrastructure Bank, and Export Development Canada—will offer insight into capital availability and evolving funding models for mining projects in Canada.
A central theme of the Forum will be Indigenous partnership and participation. Leaders from the Haisla Nation, Nisga’a Nation, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Gitxaała Nation, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, and the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council will share perspectives on consent, equity participation, and long-term value creation. Speakers include Crystal Smith of Haisla Nation; Charles Morven and Andrew Robinson of Nisga’a Nation; Dolleen Logan; Linda Innes; and Christine Walkem, Chair of the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly. Together, they will highlight the growing role of Indigenous leadership in shaping project development, advancing shared decision-making, and ensuring long-term benefits for communities.
Mining companies at various stages of development—from majors to emerging juniors—will also be present, including Teck, Taseko, Newmont Canada, Imperial Metals, Seabridge Gold, and Kodiak Copper, among others. These companies will provide on-the-ground insights into advancing projects in BC’s evolving regulatory and economic landscape.
The speaker lineup reflects the breadth of the sector, spanning industry executives, policymakers, financiers, Indigenous leaders, and infrastructure experts.
Among them is Keerit Jutla, CEO of Invicta Metals, who emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors: “The future of critical minerals development in British Columbia depends on strong alignment between industry, Indigenous partners, government, and capital providers. Forums like this are essential to building the relationships and shared understanding needed to move projects forward responsibly and efficiently.”
Why this Forum matters
The 2026 BC Critical Minerals Forum comes at a defining moment for Canada’s critical minerals sector, with several key themes shaping the agenda:
Strengthening Canada’s security and supply chains
As global competition intensifies, British Columbia’s critical minerals are increasingly central to Canada’s national and economic security. The Forum will highlight BC’s growing role in securing allied supply chains and supporting defence industrial priorities across North America.
Indigenous partnerships driving project success
Indigenous Nations are playing a leading role in shaping BC’s critical minerals future. From equity ownership and consent-based agreements to Indigenous-owned infrastructure, the Forum will showcase how partnerships grounded in reconciliation and shared prosperity are redefining project certainty and investment attractiveness.
Unlocking Northwest BC’s potential
Home to the Golden Triangle and an estimated 75% of Canada’s undeveloped copper potential, Northwest BC is a focal point for new development. The Forum will bring together leaders from industry, government, and First Nations to address the energy, transmission, and infrastructure investments needed to unlock the region.
Advancing permitting reform and project certainty
Predictable and coordinated permitting remains critical to attracting investment. The Forum will provide a platform for practical dialogue on regulatory reform, Indigenous consultation, and “one project, one process” approaches to accelerate responsible approvals.
Building Western Canada’s midstream capacity
Developing domestic processing and refining capabilities is essential to strengthening Canada’s global competitiveness. Discussions will explore new models for midstream development in lithium, rare earths, and other strategic minerals.
Attracting investment and supporting junior miners
With global investors, government-backed financiers, and leading junior companies participating, the Forum will offer valuable insight into financing strategies, offtake partnerships, and evolving capital markets—providing a clear view of how projects can advance in today’s critical minerals landscape.
With demand for critical minerals continuing to rise—driven by electrification, energy transition, and defence priorities—the Forum offers a timely platform for dialogue and deal-making.
Attendees can expect two days of high-level content, strategic insights, and networking opportunities with the leaders shaping BC’s critical minerals market.
For those involved in the sector, the message is clear: Vancouver will be the place to be next week. With momentum building and limited time remaining, now is the moment to secure your place—register today to be part of the conversations and connections driving the future of critical minerals in British Columbia.
