Skip to main content

May is Mining Month in British Columbia, a time to celebrate and acknowledge the significant contribution mining makes to our province, and to highlight the importance of mining in securing BC’s economic future.

Mining Month 2025

British Columbia’s mining industry already plays a key role in supporting people and prosperity. The industry supports 35,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 small, medium and First Nations businesses, while generating $3 billion in tax revenue for public services like healthcare and housing. The industry accounted for $18 billion in economic activity and almost 30 per cent of the province’s goods exports in 2022.

British Columbia’s mining sector is a world leading supplier of responsibly-produced critical minerals, precious metals, and steelmaking coal – essential materials for everyday items and technologies like EV batteries, smartphones, MRI scanners, solar panels, and jet engines. BC has 16 of the 34 critical minerals on Canada’s critical minerals list, including aluminum, copper, molybdenum, nickel, zinc, and others. According to the International Energy Agency, the demand for critical minerals is expected to increase by as much as six times by 2040.

Mining Month is a great opportunity to learn more about British Columbia’s mining industry, our products, our contribution to BC communities, and how we can support our province’s economic future.

Across the province there are events ranging from trade shows, community fairs, mine tours and seminars to help commemorate BC mining.

Join us in celebrating Mining Month 2025 and share in British Columbia’s mining potential!

What is happening in May?

There are many ways you can join the celebration of Mining Month in BC. Take a look below to find out what’s on.

If you know of a mining month event that’s not listed, please send the details to info@mining.bc.ca We will share details of upcoming events on our social channels.

Apr 30 - May 2

34th Annual Minerals North Conference

Prince George, BC

Learn More

Apr 30 – May 2 
Prince George Conference and Civic Centre

808 Canada Games Way
Prince George, BC

The event kicks off with an Opening Reception on Wednesday evening, followed by a robust two-day program featuring presentations, networking opportunities, and keynote addresses.

Highlights include updates on exploration and mining activities across Northern British Columbia, tradeshow networking sessions, and a banquet dinner on Thursday evening. Keynote speakers, including The Honourable Jagrup Brar, British Columbia’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, will address attendees during the conference.

This is a must-attend event for industry professionals, community leaders, and stakeholders looking to connect and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of mining in BC.

MORE INFO >>

May 1 - 26

BC Children’s Hospital – Mining for Miracles (and pie throw)

BC

Learn More

Mining for Miracles is the BC mining community’s longstanding fundraising campaign in support of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Every year volunteers from the mining community work together through Mining for Miracles to help improve the quality of health care for children in our province. Through its support of the construction of facilities and acquisition of specialized medical equipment at the hospital, Mining for Miracles is helping to keep BC Children’s Hospital at the forefront of pediatric care excellence. Since 1988, Mining for Miracles has raised more than $40 million in areas of critical need at the BC Children’s Hospital.

MORE INFO >>

Fri, May 2

Minerals North Keynote Speaker: Michael Goehring State of BC Mining

Prince George, BC

Southern Interior Local Government Association Mining Panel

Merritt, BC

Tue, May 6

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade MABC Annual Keynote Address

Vancouver, BC

Learn More

May 9 @ 11:30 am
Fairmont Waterfront
Pacific Ballroom
900 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC

During this time of unprecedented economic disruption and uncertainty, mining and critical minerals have a leading role to play in securing British Columbia’s economic future. The threat we face is a shrill wakeup call – a catalyst for urgent action to improve our competitive position and grow our economy and economic resilience, particularly with respect to mining and our natural resource industries. Like never before, our province requires urgent action to make it easier to do business and expedite the responsible production of B.C.’s critical minerals, precious metals, and steelmaking coal to create well-paying jobs, build communities, and advance economic reconciliation while securing economic opportunity in every part of our province.

Join Michael Goehring, President and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia, in his annual address to the business community on why B.C.’s mining sector can secure our economic future and what must be done to make it a reality.

MORE INFO >>

Conversations Live: Mining Panel

Vancouver, BC

Wed, May 7

Mining Month Community Fair

Vancouver, BC

Learn More

May 7 @ 9:30 am – 2 pm
Creekside Community Recreation Centre
1 Athletes Way
Vancouver, BC

MineralsEd along with geoscience organizations, mining and exploration companies will come together to present a variety of exhibits, demonstrations and learning activities for students to share information about BC’s mineral resources and mining. Learning will center around mineral exploration, BC’s mineral resources, the mining process, minerals in everyday life, sustainability, and Earth Science education. The Fair runs from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Follow the event on LinkedIn for updates: Community Fair LinkedIn Event!

MORE INFO >>

Mining Month Luncheon

Smithers, BC

Learn More

May 7 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge
3251 Yellowhead Highway
Smithers, BC

Registration is open for Smithers Exploration Group’s annual Mining Month luncheon at the Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge in Smithers.  This is an opportunity for the mineral industry and the business community to connect over lunch and celebrate the contributions of the exploration and mining industries to the Smithers’ economy.

Tickets are $50 plus GST and are on sale via Eventbrite.

MORE INFO >>

Thu, May 8

BC Government Mine Safety Awards & Safety Day

Victoria, BC

May 10 & May 24

Stump the Geologist & Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt

Smithers, BC

Sat, May 17

Britannia Mine Museum - A Museum's Journey Exhibition Opening

Britannia Beach, BC

Learn More

May 17 @ 10 am – 3 pm
Britannia Mine Museum
150 Copper Drive
Britannia Beach, BC

MORE INFO >>

Tue, May 20

Surrey Board of Trade - BC Natural Resources Event

Surrey, BC

Learn More

May 20 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel
15269 104 Ave
Surrey, BC

BC is home to unparalleled natural beauty and resources. Natural resources are the foundation of our province and the envy of global partners. They are critical for domestic economic stability, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating revenues that help build infrastructure for residents.

BC’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, will provide updates on his ministry and the work being done to diversify trading markets in light of the US trade war. Hear from a panel of expert leaders in the LNG, mining, and forestry industries for a discussion on the current state of their sector, the future of their industry, how these three industries interconnect, and the business opportunities.

MORE INFO >>

Wed, May 21

M.I.N.E Conference

Kamloops, BC

Learn More

May 21 
Moccasin Square Gardens
357 Chief Alex Thomas Way
Kamloops, BC

Join us in Kamloops for the M.I.N.E. (Mining Industry’s Next Explorers) Conference, tailored for students in grades 10-12! This event offers an incredible opportunity for students to discover a diverse range of career options, spanning from science and engineering to trades. Engage with local employers in the minerals industry and don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to explore the dynamic world of the mining sector. Seize the opportunity – the future is M.I.N.E.!

MORE INFO >>

Thu, May 22

PwC BC Mine Report Panel Event

Vancouver, BC

Hudbay Copper Mountain Princeton Mining Days

Princeton, BC

Sparwood Chamber BBQ

Sparwood, BC

Sat, May 24

Kamloops Exploration Group Rockin' Rocks

Kamloops, BC

Learn More

May 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Aberdeen Mall – Centre Court
1320 Trans Canada Hwy W
Kamloops, BC

Join the Kamloops Exploration Group for interactive, hands-on, educational fun! We will have displays, activities exploring rocks and minerals, rock identification, colouring station, games and more!

MORE INFO >>

Materials

Mining Month 2025 Logo

2025 Economic Impact

Northwest BC - Securing BC's Economic Future

Northeast BC's Steelmaking Coal Means Jobs and Economic Opportunity

The Central Interior's Deep Mining History is Driving a Generational Opportunity

NEWS: Mining Will Secure BC’s Economic Future

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with what’s happening during Mining Month in BC and share the celebrations!