VANCOUVER, CANADA, January 23, 2025 — The final day of AME Roundup 2025 brought together key stakeholders in the mineral exploration sector to address cultural heritage considerations, regulatory challenges, and strategic insights for industry leaders. With a strong focus on Indigenous engagement, permitting, and compliance, the discussions underscored the evolving regulatory landscape and the need for responsible exploration practices.
Cultural Heritage and Archaeology in Mineral Exploration
One of the standout sessions was Implications and Opportunities of Cultural Heritage on Mineral Exploration and Tenure, presented by Kay Jollymore (Kleanza Consulting Ltd.) and Daniel Walker (ERM Consultants Ltd. / Tahltan ERM Environmental Management – TEEM).
The session highlighted how cultural heritage and archaeological investigations are essential components of mineral exploration and mining projects, yet many companies remain unfamiliar with the process and regulatory requirements. The presenters emphasized the importance of early engagement with First Nations, understanding the Heritage Conservation Act, and navigating the permitting process effectively.
Key takeaways included:
When and why to engage an archaeologist in a project’s lifecycle.
Regulatory processes involving the Archaeology Branch and Fossil Management Office.
FrontCounter BC’s role in archaeology and when additional steps may be required.
First Nations consultation requirements and best practices for effective engagement.
Risk management strategies for integrating cultural heritage considerations into exploration programs.
With over 40 years of combined experience in Canadian mining archaeology, Jollymore and Walker provided practical guidance on managing cultural heritage responsibly, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while fostering positive relationships with Indigenous communities.
42nd AME Roundup Conference, Vancouver Convention Centre East
Strategic Insights for Mining CEOs
The Strategic Insights for Mining CEOs: From Exploration to Production panel, hosted by Dentons Canada LLP, brought together industry leaders from companies including FPX Nickel Corp., Pan American Silver Corp., Lundin Gold Inc., and Teck Resources Ltd. The session focused on the regulatory, permitting, and stakeholder engagement strategies essential for navigating today’s complex mining landscape.
Key discussion points included:
Permitting Roadmap in British Columbia – Industry experts shared first-hand experiences navigating regulatory frameworks, permitting obligations, and strategies for expediting approvals.
Indigenous and Stakeholder Engagement – Emphasis was placed on early and transparent consultation with Indigenous groups and local communities to ensure projects gain social license.
Compliance with International Best Practices – Insights were provided on aligning mining projects with global sustainability and safety standards, mitigating risk, and enhancing investor confidence.
This session reinforced the importance of proactive planning and regulatory compliance for mining executives looking to advance their projects from exploration to production.
Hon.Premier David Eby’s Address: A Standalone Mining Ministry
Earlier in the day, British Columbia Hon. Premier David Eby delivered remarks emphasizing the province’s commitment to the mining industry. Eby reaffirmed his government’s focus on firm permitting deadlines and the creation of a standalone BC Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, led by Minister Jagrup Brar.
BC’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Hon. Jagrup Brar. with Hon. Premier David Eby and Keerit Jutla, President & CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration
Speaking to the audience, Eby stated: “Generating wealth starts with prospectors and explorers like you. Our standard of living, the value of the Canadian dollar, the ability for us to buy the things that we need to support ourselves and our families, as a province, to deliver those frontline services that people depend on, whether it’s healthcare, education or other services. It starts with you.”
Hon. Premier David Eby and Keerit Jutla, President & CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration
This announcement was well received by the industry, with AME and industry leaders welcoming increased accountability and streamlined processes for mineral exploration projects in British Columbia.
Looking Ahead: AME Roundup 2026
As AME Roundup 2025 came to a close, organizers confirmed that the 43rd annual AME Roundup will take place from January 26–29, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre East.
With a promise of a bigger and more dynamic conference, next year’s event is expected to further strengthen collaboration between industry leaders, government stakeholders, and Indigenous communities.
The final day of AME Roundup 2025 reinforced the growing importance of cultural heritage, regulatory preparedness, and strategic leadership in mineral exploration. As the industry continues to evolve, these discussions will be crucial in shaping the future of responsible exploration and mining in Canada.
With the highest registration at the Vancouver Convention Centre and the highest AME Roundup since 2015, more than 6,630 geoscientists, prospectors, Indigenous partners, financiers, investors, suppliers, and government representatives from 34 countries gathered in Vancouver for the ‘Securing Our Future’ 2025 conference theme. This turnout was complemented by doubling attendance at AME’s Discovery Day from 2024, with over 2,400 members of the public experiencing mineral exploration and mining through fun, hands-on, interactive displays, exhibitors, and experiences.
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