Musings from Mining Conference Season Kick-off in Vancouver

Last week marked the official start of mining conference season, and I'm pleased to report that I came away from it with a renewed sense of optimism for our sector.

The week showcased an interesting “tale of two sides”:

On one hand, the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference carried a noticeably muted and cautious tone. Attendees were reflective of the traditional mining investor archetype, and the energy felt subdued. We're clearly still not reaching the vast array of investors out there looking for opportunities to diversify their portfolios and that's a huge opportunity for us.

On the other hand, there was AME Roundup, where the vibe couldn’t have been more different. The energy was upbeat — electric, even. Every booth had a buzz around it, with a diverse and vibrant crowd packed full of curious and engaged participants.

It reminded me that the technical side of our industry, where true innovation and progress take shape, is alive and thriving. ⛏️

One of the standout moments at Roundup came from PrivatePlacement.com Arash Adnani’s talk on financings in the mining space. Contrary to some of the more pessimistic narratives floating around, 2024 actually saw the second highest amount of capital raised in the past nine years (second only to 2019). While a few big deals contributed to this number, the volume of transactions — >1000 deals — paints a much healthier picture of the mining landscape than many seem to have.

Another standout moment came from the The Femina Collective Beth Borody’s inspiring talk. She emphasized the critical importance of supporting the voices and talents of women in the mining industry, highlighting the tremendous value of diverse perspectives.

Beth is not just talking about change — she’s actively creating it by launching a female-driven mining investment club, designed to open more avenues for growth and inclusion. This innovative approach injects fresh ideas and opportunities into the sector, showcasing exactly the kind of creative, forward-thinking leadership that will help propel the industry toward a more dynamic and sustainable future. Brilliant and empowering 💪

What this week reaffirmed for me is the power of the people in our industry. The room was filled with incredibly intelligent individuals pushing boundaries and thinking creatively about the future. This dynamism is what fuels my optimism.

That said, it’s clear that messaging matters and is the industry's Achilles heel. As an industry, we have a responsibility to share our positive stories widely — to show the world how mining plays a pivotal role in societal evolution and technological progress.

So ponder ➡️ how can you level up your communications to do your part?

If the energy at Roundup is any indication, the future of mining is not just bright — it’s full of possibilities. I'm excited to be a part of it.

Are you a mining company executive looking for IR and communications support? Reach out and let’s chat.