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7,550 delegates and Minerals for Tomorrow campaign highlight the essential role mineral exploration plays in economic sovereignty.
Vancouver, B.C. — January 30, 2026 — This week, the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) hosted its 43rd annual AME Roundup conference, the premier gathering for the global mineral exploration industry, welcoming 7,550 delegates from 44 countries.
At the conference, AME launched Minerals for Tomorrow, a national public-engagement campaign highlighting mineral exploration’s critical role in economic security, national defence, clean energy, technological competitiveness, and Canadian sovereignty.
To thrive in the future, the mineral exploration sector must inspire our next generations. On Sunday, January 25, AME’s annual Discovery Day welcomed more than 2,000 attendees to a free, family-friendly event featuring hands-on, interactive exhibits showcasing mineral exploration and mining.
Todd Stone, President and CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration said: “The energy and passion for mineral exploration were on clear display at AME Roundup 2026. We saw major announcements and interest in the sector like never before. It’s clear that our members are in the driver’s seat of Canada’s future.”
On Monday, January 26, AME welcomed the Hon. David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, to AME Roundup. Premier Eby announced a budget lift of $1 million that will provide additional staff to support fixed permitting timelines and a further $2 million to support the Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF). The MCCF, which began operating March 25, 2025, has been challenged to meet its service timeline of 90-120 days, currently averaging 127. Data released in early January by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals indicated a 29% drop in mineral claim staking and a 60% decline in the total area staked versus the seven-year average.
Premier David Eby also announced a record $750.9 million in mineral exploration expenditures for 2025. This is positive news and adjusted for inflation this is the fourth highest since 1990; however, the combined share of grassroots and early-stage spending decreased from 32.1% to 26.8%. Metres drilled – another helpful metric – was 933,600 metres.
AME Roundup 2027
Mark your calendars for AME Roundup 2027, Monday, January 25, 2027 to Thursday, January 28, 2027 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
For more information visit http://ameroundup.ca/ or follow the conference social media channels:
LinkedIn: ame-roundup
Instagram: @ameroundup
X (Twitter): @AMEroundup
For conference media inquiries contact Garth Jackson
Phone: 778.323.4811
Email: garth.jackson@theclugroup.com
About AME
AME champions mineral exploration as the foundation of Canada’s economic independence. We connect exploration to mineral development, clean technology, and national security. Through member advocacy, we ensure exploration remains central to Canada’s sovereignty and economic future.
Learn more, sign up for updates, and get involved at mineralsfortomorrow.ca.
Media Contact
Rich Truman
rtruman@amebc.ca
604-404-1031