VANCOUVER, CANADA, January 22, 2025 — The Association for Mineral Exploration’s (AME) Roundup 2025 continued on Wednesday, January 22, with a series of impactful events and sessions that underscored the conference’s theme of “Securing Our Future.” The day’s agenda featured the Reconciliation Breakfast, insightful discussions on precious metals, the AME Pioneers’ Lunch, and engaging networking activities, culminating in the prestigious AME Awards Gala.
Reconciliation Breakfast
The day commenced with the Reconciliation Breakfast, featuring Chief Willie Sellars, a leader of the Williams Lake First Nation, celebrated author, and advocate for reconciliation. His presence set a reflective and inspiring tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of strengthening relationships between the mining industry and Indigenous communities. Chief Sellars shared powerful insights on leadership, community, and collaboration, highlighting pathways toward mutual respect and sustainable partnerships. This impactful gathering underscored the need for meaningful engagement and inclusion in the mineral exploration sector as part of the broader goal of “Securing Our Future.”
Precious Metals Session
Following the breakfast, the Precious Metals session took place from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM in Ballroom A/B. This session aimed to support and inspire explorers on their journey from discovery to development by engaging industry and academic professionals and showcasing evolving and established projects.
The session featured industry experts sharing valuable insights into gold exploration and development. François Robert, Consultant at FR Geo-consult, brought his extensive experience on the geology and exploration of gold deposits worldwide. Scott Heffernan, EVP Exploration at Equinox Gold Corp, discussed the geological framework and exploration potential of Equinox Gold’s Greenstone Mine and the Beardmore-Geraldton Belt. Meanwhile, François Bouchard, Senior Geologist at Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, provided a deep dive into the Archean Malartic Gold District, highlighting a century of discoveries that have shaped the region’s mining landscape.
AME Pioneers’ Lunch
The AME Pioneers’ Lunch brought together esteemed industry veterans for a special gathering in Meeting Room 1/2/3. This invite-only event honored individuals aged 70 and above who have made significant contributions to AME and the British Columbia mineral exploration community. With a full house, the pioneers engaged in lively discussions, reconnected with long-time colleagues, and reflected on their enduring legacies in the industry. The lunch served as a meaningful opportunity to celebrate their achievements while fostering camaraderie among those who have helped shape the future of mineral exploration.
AME Sports Day
The AME Roundup Mini Hockey Tournament made its exciting return in the afternoon at Scotia Barn in Burnbaby, bringing together participants for a spirited and friendly competition. The tournament concluded with an awards reception, celebrating teamwork and sportsmanship, with transportation provided departing from and returning to the Vancouver Convention Centre East.
Concurrently, the AME Roundup 2025 Curling Bonspiel took place at the Marpole Curling Club. Attendees enjoyed an evening of friendly competition, skillful sliding, and strategic sweeping, all while networking in a relaxed setting. Food and drinks were provided, adding to the camaraderie of the event. To ensure easy access, a bus service was available for participants, departing from and returning to the Vancouver Convention Centre East.
AME Awards Gala
The day culminated with the AME Awards Gala, a prestigious event honoring outstanding achievements in mineral exploration and development. The 2024 AME Award recipients included:
- AME H.H. “Spud” Huestis Award: Scott Berdahl of Snowline Gold Corp.
- AME Murray Pezim Award: The BHP Xplor Team (Charlee Johnson, Sonia Scarselli, and Libby Sharman).
- AME Colin Spence Award sponsored by Dentons: Dr. Thomas Bissig.
- AME Robert R. Hedley Award sponsored by ERM: Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC).
- AME Innovation Award: Michael Ravella of VERACIO.
- AME Special Tribute Award: Maurice Colpron of the Yukon Geological Survey.
- AME David Barr Award: Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited.
- AME Frank Woodside Gold Pan Award: Robert McLeod.
- Safe Day Every Day Gold Award: Major Drilling and Skeena Gold + Silver.
The gala was hosted by Lana Eagle, with sponsorship from Newmont Corporation, Artemis Gold Inc., A.E.W. Limited Partnership, and Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP.
Day 3 of AME Roundup 2025 truly exemplified the conference’s commitment to fostering industry excellence, collaboration, and community engagement. From the Reconciliation Breakfast with Chief Willie Sellars, which reinforced the importance of meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, to the Precious Metals and Geoscience Innovation sessions that showcased cutting-edge advancements, the day was filled with valuable insights and knowledge sharing.
Networking remained a key highlight, with events like the AME Pioneers’ Lunch, where industry veterans reconnected and reflected on their contributions, and the much-anticipated AME Roundup Mini Hockey Tournament and Curling Bonspiel, which brought attendees together in a fun and competitive spirit. The day continued into the evening with Alaska Night at the Pan Pacific Hotel, a lively networking event that celebrated the strong ties between the mineral exploration industries of Alaska and British Columbia. Attendees enjoyed an evening of camaraderie, sharing insights and opportunities in a relaxed setting.
As the day concluded with the AME Awards Gala, the industry’s brightest minds and most impactful projects were recognized, celebrating achievements that continue to push mineral exploration forward. With such a dynamic and engaging third day, AME Roundup 2025 has set a high standard for the days to follow, reinforcing its role as a premier global conference for the mineral exploration and mining industry. As discussions continue, collaborations strengthen, and new ideas take shape, attendees can look forward to even more opportunities to learn, connect, and help secure the future of mining and exploration.
