
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 24, 2025 – The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) held its 42nd annual AME Roundup conference this week, the largest global gathering of the mineral exploration industry. A record 6,630 delegates—geoscientists, prospectors, Indigenous partners, financiers, investors, suppliers, and government representatives from 34 countries—attended the ‘Securing Our Future’ conference at the Vancouver Convention Centre, marking the highest AME Roundup attendance since 2015. AME’s Discovery Day also saw double the attendance from 2024, with over 2,400 members of the public participating in interactive displays and exhibits.
At the conference, Premier David Eby stated: “Generating wealth starts with prospectors and explorers like you. Our standard of living, the value of the Canadian dollar, and our ability to support ourselves and our families, and for the province to deliver essential services like healthcare and education, all begin with your work.“
Keerit Jutla, President & CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration, commented: “The mineral exploration sector strongly desires to discover and develop the critical minerals our society needs. Key to this is making BC more attractive to investment, beginning with faster and clearer regulatory decisions. We believe this is achievable while maintaining robust and fair processes.”
He continued: “A record number of delegates at this year’s AME Roundup forged connections that could spark global supply chains. We are entering an exciting era for mineral exploration, where society relies on prospectors and explorers to discover the mines of the future.”
On Monday, January 20, Gordon Clarke, Director, British Columbia Mineral Development Office, British Columbia Geological Survey, announced a 14% decrease in mineral exploration investment compared to 2023, from $643 million to $552 million.
On Thursday, January 23, AME welcomed the Hon. David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, to AME Roundup. Premier Eby’s emphasis on firm permitting deadlines and the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Mining and Critical Minerals under Minister Brar is encouraging to AME. The Premier recognized that industry success translates to provincial success. AME anticipates collaboration and accountability on these commitments.
AME Board of Directors 2025
AME held its 113th Annual General Meeting and first Board Meeting of 2025 on Wednesday, January 22. AME congratulates Trish Jacques as the newly appointed Chair of the AME Board. Eleanor Black and Laura Tennent have been appointed as Vice Chairs. Eric Casey is the new Executive Committee Treasurer, and Jill Budelli is Past Chair.
AME appreciates the Board of Directors’ leadership and dedication as the Association supports over 5,000 explorers in BC, across Canada and internationally, in responsible mineral exploration.
AME Roundup 2026
AME Roundup 2026 will be held from Monday, January 26 to Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre East.
For more information visit or follow our social media channels:
- X (Twitter): @AMEroundup
- Instagram: @ameroundup
- LinkedIn: ame-roundup
For media inquiries contact Morgan Murphy:
- Phone: 416.629.2143
- Email:
About AME Roundup
AME Roundup is the leading conference for the global mineral exploration industry. Held annually in Vancouver, on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, it attracts thousands of geoscientists, prospectors, financiers, investors, suppliers, government representatives, and Indigenous partners from around the globe. The conference showcases the latest geoscience knowledge, and provides opportunities for learning, networking, and deal-making.
About AME
AME is the primary association for the mineral exploration and development industry in British Columbia. Founded in 1912, AME represents and promotes the interests of over 5,000 members involved in mineral exploration and development in BC and globally. AME fosters a safe, economically sound, and environmentally responsible industry by providing resources and support to its members for responsible projects that benefit all British Columbians.
SOURCE Association for Mineral Exploration – AME