By Staff Writer
The inaugural day of Mines and Money Miami 2025 commenced on February 20th at the James L. Knight Center, drawing a diverse assembly of industry leaders, investors, and policymakers. Under the central theme, “Securing Metal and Mineral Supplies Through Policy, Financing, and Mining Solutions,” the conference addressed the pressing challenges and opportunities within the mining sector.
Opening Remarks and Keynote Address
The day’s proceedings began with a warm welcome from Andrew Thake, the Global Head of Content for Mines and Money. Thake emphasized the critical role of collaboration in strengthening supply chains and navigating the evolving policy landscape. He highlighted the conference’s objective to foster meaningful dialogues that drive the industry forward.
Following the introduction, the keynote address was delivered by Jeff Currie, Chief Strategy Officer at Carlyle. Currie provided an insightful analysis of the global commodities market, focusing on the strategic importance of critical minerals in the energy transition. He underscored the necessity for proactive policies and innovative financing to secure these vital resources.
Keynote Panel: Onshoring, Friendshoring, or Status Quo?
One of the standout sessions of the day was the keynote panel titled “Onshoring, Friendshoring, or Status Quo? How to Build Critical Mineral Capacity in the Americas.” With the increasing importance of securing critical minerals for both energy transition and national defense, this discussion explored the geopolitical, financial, and strategic considerations surrounding the mining sector’s future.
Moderated by Ryan Sistad, Executive Director of Better In Our Back Yard, the panel featured top industry and policy experts:
- Dr. Gracelin Baskaran, Director, Critical Minerals Security, CSIS
- Colin Williams, Mineral Resources Program Coordinator, US Geological Survey
- Joseph Miller, Strategic & Defense Metals Specialist, Intra~Pax Consultants
- The Hon. Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, Newfoundland and Labrador
The panelists examined:
- The geopolitical implications of onshoring vs. friendshoring mineral production and processing.
- Key differences between the two strategies and the policy tools available to support them.
- The impact of these evolving policies on investors and mining operators navigating regulatory challenges.
This session provided deep insights into how governments and industries can collaborate to strengthen North American supply chains while balancing environmental, financial, and strategic concerns.
Mining Spotlight: AMEX Exploration
A major highlight of the Mining Spotlights session was the presentation from Victor Cantore, President & Chief Executive Officer of AMEX Exploration. AMEX Exploration, a gold-focused exploration company, has garnered significant attention for its high-grade discoveries in Quebec, Canada. With a market capitalization of $123M CAD (TSXV: AMX) and $87M USD (OTC: AMXEF) (as of February 21, 2025), the company continues to advance its flagship Perron Gold Project, one of Canada’s most exciting gold exploration projects. Cantore highlighted the project’s exploration potential, ongoing drilling campaigns, and strategic outlook for 2025. The presentation reaffirmed AMEX Exploration’s commitment to unlocking shareholder value through aggressive exploration and resource expansion.
Networking Lunch
The Networking Lunch at Mines and Money Miami 2025 provided attendees with the option of free seating or joining themed roundtable discussions, each limited to 20 participants. These interactive sessions allowed industry experts to exchange insights on key topics. Roundtable A, led by Remi Piet, explored potential shifts in U.S. mining policies under a second Trump administration. Mike McGlone hosted Roundtable B, discussing gold’s role amid global uncertainty. Gracelin Baskaran led Roundtable C on AI-driven exploration advancements, while Paolo Cattelan spearheaded Roundtable D, focusing on innovative mining finance strategies. These discussions provided invaluable insights and networking opportunities.
Bunker Hill Mining: An Inspiring Success Story
Bunker Hill Mining is such an inspiring success story. Investors were delighted to receive an update from Richard Williams and his team at Mines and Money Miami. Their resilience in reviving the historic Bunker Hill Mine while focusing on sustainability and economic growth has been widely recognized in the industry. With strong leadership and strategic planning, Bunker Hill Mining has positioned itself as a key player in the North American mining sector. Many attendees expressed admiration for their progress, and there was great excitement about the possibility of President Trump visiting their operation, as Richard Williams has openly hoped for. Such a visit would further highlight the importance of domestic mining projects in securing America’s critical mineral supply chains
Mining Pitch Battle: Day 1 Showdown with Finals on Day 2
One of the most high-energy events of Mines and Money Miami 2025 was the Mining Pitch Battle, where mining companies had just three minutes to pitch their projects to a panel of leading investors. With every second counting, participants had to sell their vision, highlight investment potential, and prove their competitive edge in front of a live audience. The judging panel assessed each pitch based on return on investment (ROI) potential, determining which company they would hypothetically invest US$1,000,000 in for the best ROI after one year.
Day 1: The First Round of the Battle
The first round of the Mining Pitch Battle took place in the Mines and Money Theatre, where participants competed for a coveted spot in the finals on Day 2. The judging panel, composed of seasoned investors, included:
- Erez Ichilov, Founder, Cedrus Arbor LLC
- Jay Roberge, Managing Director, Tehama Capital
- Whitney Kofford, Managing Director, Sorbie Bornholm
- Howard Margulis, Senior Managing Director & General Counsel, MaxEn Capital Advisors
- Miranda Werstiuk, Head of Origination, Monetary Metals & Co
- Rogier de la Rambelje, Head of Mining, EAS Advisors
The battlers who stepped up to the challenge included:
- Barry O’Shea, CEO, Highland Copper
- Trey Wasser, CEO, Dryden Gold
- Trent Mell, CEO, Electra Battery Materials Corporation
- Christopher Berlet, CEO & Director, Stakeholder Gold
- Tony Reda, Founder, President, CEO & Director, Tectonic Metals
The event was hosted by Michael Fox, Publisher of The Prospector News, who kept the energy high as each contestant took the stage. Following their three-minute pitches, the panel grilled them with tough questions, evaluating their business model, financial strategy, and market feasibility.
Looking Ahead to the Day 2 Finals
After an intense first round, select companies advanced to the finals, where they will return to the Mines and Money Theatre on Day 2 for one last chance to impress the judges and audience. The final round will determine the ultimate Mining Pitch Battle champion, earning industry recognition, valuable investor connections, and the chance to attract real investment opportunities.
With the stakes even higher on Day 2, anticipation is building for one of the most exciting moments of the conference!
Delegate Networking Riverside Terrace Drinks Reception
Beyond the formal sessions, attendees engaged in extensive networking activities. The venue’s riverside terrace offered a picturesque setting for informal discussions, fostering connections among industry professionals. The day concluded with a luxury cruise along the Miami River, providing a relaxed environment for delegates to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations.
Looking Ahead
As Mines and Money Miami 2025 progresses, participants anticipate further in-depth discussions on policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and technological innovations shaping the future of mining. The collaborative spirit evident on the first day sets a positive tone for the remainder of the conference, promising actionable insights and strengthened partnerships.
For more information on the conference agenda and upcoming sessions, visit the official Mines and Money Miami website.
