Critical minerals policy and how gold operations intersect with it

Gold mines double as critical mineral sources—copper, silver, tellurium. Global supply chain shifts make byproduct strategy essential. Critical Minerals Policy & Gold Operations Conference This five-day conference runs January 25–29, 2027, at the Vancouver Convention Centre, and centers on how gold mining operations intersect with the fast-evolving world of critical minerals policy — covering regulation, innovation, partnerships, and sustainability. Day 1 (Sunday, Jan 25) — Arrival, Registration & Welcome. The day opens with registration and badge pickup, followed by optional pre-conference workshops on ESG reporting for mining operations or a critical minerals investment primer. Dr. Sarah Mitchell delivers the opening remarks, and the day wraps with a welcome reception overlooking Vancouver Harbour. Day 2 (Monday, Jan 26) — Policy & Regulation. The day kicks off with keynotes on the global critical minerals landscape (Mark Carpenter) and Canada's critical minerals strategy (Dr. Sarah Mitchell), followed by a panel on regulatory frameworks shaping mining's future. After lunch, Dr. Amina Traoré covers the economic outlook for Canadian mining, and James Anderson looks at how gold operations fit into critical mineral supply chains. The afternoon offers a choice of breakouts — permitting and compliance, or Indigenous and community engagement — followed by a fireside chat with Carpenter and Anderson. An optional off-site networking dinner closes the day. Day 3 (Tuesday, Jan 27) — Innovation & Technology. Prof. David Hamilton opens with a keynote on automation and AI in mining, followed by Lisa Nguyen on investment and emerging opportunities. A panel on innovation across the mining value chain follows, then lunch. In the afternoon, Nguyen returns to discuss financing the future of critical minerals, and Dr. Rahul Mehta speaks on critical minerals strategy on the world stage. Attendees choose between breakouts on digital twins/mine automation or AI-driven exploration, followed by an exhibitor showcase and innovation demos. The day ends with a VIP networking reception for Executive/VIP pass holders. Day 4 (Wednesday, Jan 28) — Collaboration & Partnerships / Site Visit. An optional early-morning gold operations site and core-shack tour departs before the main sessions (separate registration required, safety gear provided). For those staying on-site, Dr. Amina Traoré opens with a keynote on building industry partnerships, followed by a panel on Indigenous and community partnerships in mining. After a supplier and service provider roundtable and lunch (where site-tour attendees rejoin the group), Prof. David Hamilton gives an academic perspective on mining engineering, and a panel addresses building resilient supply chains together. The afternoon includes a student and emerging leaders mixer, and the day culminates in a formal Conference Gala Dinner with awards recognizing excellence in responsible mining. Day 5 (Thursday, Jan 29) — Sustainability & Resilience / Closing. James Anderson opens with a keynote on advancing ESG and responsible resource development, followed by a session on sustainability and community value creation featuring case studies. A closing panel brings together all featured speakers to reflect on where policy, gold operations, and sustainability intersect going forward. Dr. Sarah Mitchell delivers the closing keynote and call to action, and the conference wraps with a farewell lunch before concluding at 2:00 PM.