By Jamie Hyland
The Association for Mineral Exploration’s (AME) Roundup 2025 commenced on January 20 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, bringing together thousands of geoscientists, prospectors, financiers, investors, suppliers, government representatives, and Indigenous partners from around the globe.
Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony waa held from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM in Ballroom A/B, and set an optimistic tone for the conference. The event began with a Traditional Land Acknowledgement, followed by remarks from federal and provincial government leaders. The highlight was the keynote address by Adam Lundin, Chair of Lundin Mining Corporation. Mr. Lundin shared insights into the evolving landscape of mineral exploration and emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the industry forward.
Speaker Sessions
Following the Opening Ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to participate in several insightful speaker sessions:
- Regional Overviews (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Ballroom A/B): This session provided comprehensive updates on geological developments and exploration activities across various regions, highlighting new discoveries and opportunities for investment.
- Theme Session: Securing Our Future (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Ballroom A/B): Industry leaders discussed strategies to ensure the sustainability and growth of the mineral exploration sector, focusing on technological advancements, policy frameworks, and environmental stewardship.
- Government-Industry Forum (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Ballroom C): A platform for dialogue between government officials and industry stakeholders, this forum addressed regulatory challenges, infrastructure development, and the role of public-private partnerships in fostering a conducive environment for exploration activities.
Core Shack
The Core Shack, a highlight of the Exhibit Hall, allowed companies to display core samples from their latest projects. This provided a unique opportunity for geologists, investors, and other stakeholders to examine firsthand the mineralization and geological features of prospective sites. Companies such as Amarc Resources Ltd. and American Eagle Gold presented samples from their JOY Cu-Au District and Nak Porphyry projects, respectively.
MineralsEd Program
AME Roundup 2025 continued its commitment to education through the MineralsEd Program, aimed at fostering interest in earth sciences among students. The program included interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed to engage the next generation of geoscientists. Students had the chance to connect with industry professionals, attend specialized short courses, and present posters, enriching their understanding of the mineral exploration sector.
Networking Opportunities
Networking is a cornerstone of AME Roundup, and Day 1 offered numerous occasions for attendees to connect:
- AME Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, Meeting Room 1/2/3): A gathering that facilitated discussions among peers, fostering relationships and collaborations.
- Exhibit Hall Happy Hour (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM): An informal setting for delegates to unwind and engage in conversations about the day’s events and sessions.
Insights from Keerit Jutla
Keerit Jutla, President & CEO of AME, emphasized the significance of such gatherings in propelling the industry forward. He stated, “AME Roundup is where deals are made, talent is discovered, and trends are set. Bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders fosters innovation and collaboration essential for the future of mineral exploration.”
The Exhibit Hall at AME Roundup 2025 is a dynamic four-day trade show featuring key players in mineral exploration, development, mining, and reclamation. Among the hundreds of exhibitors under the sails in the Vancouver Convention Centre East, attendees will find prospectors and entrepreneurs, junior explorers and international mining companies, Indigenous groups, governments, universities, not-for-profits, and an incredible collection of service and supply companies.
Notable participants include:
- 62 Degrees North Inc. (Booth 1226)
- Abitibi Geophysics (Booth 1127)
- acQuire (Booth 1520)
- Activation Laboratories Ltd. (Actlabs) (Booth 801)
- AGAT Laboratories Ltd. (Booth 516)
- ALS Global (Booth 809)
- Amarc Resources Ltd. (Booth 1001)
- Anglo American (Booth 217)
- APEX Geoscience Ltd. (Booth 504)
- Aurora Geosciences Ltd. (Booth 1209)
- BGC Engineering (Booth 1522)
- Boart Longyear (Booth 410)
- Bureau Veritas (Booth 1104)
- Canagold Resources Ltd. (Booth 221)
- CIM (Canadian Institute Of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum) (Booth 119)
- Epiroc (Booth 1103)
- Geotech Ltd. (Booth 719)
- Hy-Tech Drilling Ltd. (Booth 517)
- Imdex Canada Ltd. (Booth 1300)
- Kenorland Minerals (Booth 609)
- Knight Piésold Ltd. (Booth 108)
- Maptek (Booth 77)
- MSALABS Inc. (Booth 724)
- Newmont (Booth 1305)
- NorthIsle Copper and Gold Inc. (Booth 1121)
- Procon Mining & Tunnelling Ltd. (Booth 708)
- Seabridge Gold Inc. (Booth 1600)
- SGS (Booth 508)
- SRK Consulting (Booth 1211)
- Teck Resources Limited (Booth 707)
- Tetra Tech (Booth 1511)
- Yukon Chamber of Mines (Booth 1409)
This diverse assembly provides attendees with unparalleled opportunities to network, discover new products and services, and engage with industry leaders.
Looking Ahead
As the mineral exploration community gathers in Vancouver, AME Roundup 2025 serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the industry, highlighting the collective efforts to secure a sustainable and prosperous future. Day 1 of AME Roundup 2025 set a high bar, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to discuss the future of mineral exploration. With insightful keynote addresses, dynamic speaker sessions, and a buzzing Exhibit Hall, the conference is proving once again why it remains a cornerstone event for the global mining sector.
As the industry looks ahead, attendees can expect three more action-packed days filled with:
🔹 Advances in Geoscience – Showcasing cutting-edge technologies and exploration breakthroughs.
🔹 Commodities and Financial Markets – Insights into global trends shaping the mining investment landscape.
🔹 Critical and Base Metals – Addressing the role of key minerals in the energy transition and economic development.
With deal-making, networking, and knowledge-sharing at full speed, AME Roundup 2025 continues to drive innovation and collaboration, ensuring a strong future for mineral exploration. Stay tuned as MiningIR brings you the latest updates from Vancouver’s premier mining conference!
