By Jamie Hyland
The Metals Investor Forum that was held on January 17–18, 2025, at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, BC, brought together industry leaders, investors, and mining enthusiasts to discuss the latest developments in the mining sector. The event featured 48 exhibiting mining companies and presentations from 11 industry experts, providing attendees with valuable insights into current trends and opportunities.
Sentiment at the Metals Investor Forum was overwhelmingly positive, with the mining and exploration sector is surging as 2025 kicks off, with renewed investor confidence driving increased activity. Rising commodity prices, improving capital markets, and a growing appetite for resource investments have fueled optimism across the industry. Junior miners are securing financings more easily, while exploration budgets are expanding, signaling a strong year ahead.
Amarc Resources’ Groundbreaking Announcement
A highlight of the forum was the presentation by Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO of Amarc Resources Ltd. Dr. Nicolson announced the discovery of the high-grade AuRORA copper-gold-silver deposit at the company’s 100%-owned JOY Copper-Gold District in north-central British Columbia. This discovery, made in collaboration with Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc., marks a significant milestone for Amarc Resources.
The AuRORA deposit is situated within the expansive Northwest Gossan (NWG) Target area, which had not been previously drill-tested. Initial drilling results revealed a 600-meter-wide zone of porphyry mineralization from near the surface, characterized by excellent lateral and vertical continuity. Notably, the first drill hole, JP24057, intersected a new porphyry system hosting high and continuous gold grades, underscoring the deposit’s significant potential.
The discovery of the AuRORA deposit is poised to have substantial implications for the mining industry, particularly in British Columbia. The high-grade nature of the deposit, combined with its location in a region known for prolific porphyry copper-gold systems, positions Amarc Resources to contribute significantly to the supply of these essential metals. This is especially pertinent given the increasing global demand for copper and gold.
Dr. Nicolson’s presentation attracted a full-capacity audience, reflecting the high level of interest in Amarc’s developments. Attendees were keen to learn about the potential of the AuRORA discovery, which has been generating considerable attention since the release of the initial assay results. The forum provided an ideal platform for Amarc to showcase its achievements and future plans to a knowledgeable and engaged audience.
Blackrock Silver Corp. Highlights High-Grade Discoveries
Andrew Pollard, President & CEO, Director of Blackrock Silver Corp., took the stage to present the company’s latest drilling results from the Tonopah West project in Nevada. Blackrock Silver recently reported intercepts of 4.7 meters grading 714 g/t silver equivalent (AgEq), including 379 g/t silver (Ag) and 3.72 g/t gold (Au). Multiple one-kilogram-per-tonne AgEq intercepts were also announced, underscoring the project’s significant high-grade potential. These results reinforce Blackrock Silver’s position as a leading player in silver and gold exploration.
Sentiment and Investment in 2025
Sentiment at the Metals Investor Forum was overwhelmingly positive, with mining and exploration investing picking up in 2025. As commodity prices stabilize and demand for critical minerals rises, investors are showing renewed confidence in the sector. The forum highlighted numerous opportunities in exploration, development, and production, reinforcing optimism for the industry’s future.
Industry-Leading Experts Take the Stage
The forum featured a powerhouse lineup of industry experts, sharing their insights on market trends, investment strategies, and mining advancements. Speakers included Eric Coffin (HRA Advisories), Joe Mazumdar (Exploration Insights), Jeff Clark (Paydirt Prospector), Brien Lundin (Gold Newsletter), Robert Sinn (Goldfinger Capital), Garrett Goggin (Golden Portfolio), Brian Leni (Junior Stock Review), John Kaiser (Kaiser Research Online), Chen Lin (What is Chen Buying? What is Chen Selling?), Peter Krauth (The Silver Stock Investor), and Greg McCoach (The Mining Speculator). A special guest appearance by legendary resource investor Rick Rule added further depth to the discussions.
The Metals Investor Forum served as a pivotal event for stakeholders in the mining industry, offering a venue for the exchange of ideas and the unveiling of significant discoveries. Amarc Resources’ announcement of the AuRORA deposit exemplifies the type of groundbreaking developments that were shared during the forum. As exploration progresses, the mining community will be closely monitoring the advancements at the JOY District, anticipating the positive impacts this discovery may have on the industry and the broader economy.
