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Mining Month 2024

May is Mining Month in British Columbia. Mining Month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the significant contribution mining has made to our province for generations, and highlight the growing importance of critical minerals, which are essential to the energy transition.

Mining is a catalyst for people and prosperity in communities throughout British Columbia. 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. Critical minerals offer British Columbians a generational opportunity.

British Columbia’s mining sector is a world leading supplier of the critical minerals essential to the clean technologies that help fight climate change – like electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines. BC has 16 of the 31 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 critical minerals and their contribution to climate action. Across the province there are events ranging from trade shows, community fairs, mine tours and seminars all focused on celebrating mining in BC!

Join us in celebrating Mining Month 2024 and share British Columbia’s mining and critical mineral potential. The time is now!

Mining Month 2024 Events

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 would like your mining month event added to this list please send the details to info@mining.bc.ca. We will share details of events on social media.

Wed, May 1 - Sun, May 26

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

BC

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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 >>

Thu, May 2

Keep The Ball Rolling: State of BC’s Mineral Exploration and Development Industry

Kamloops, BC

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May 2 @ 7:30 am – 8:30 am
Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre
1250 Rogers Way
Kamloops, BC

Jonathan Buchanan, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Association for Mineral Exploration (AME)

Speaking at The Breakfast of Champions, Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) AGM & Conference

A transition to a low-carbon economy requires increased exploration for, and production of, metals ranging from critical minerals such as copper to precious metals such as gold. This talk will explore opportunities in the SILGA area along with the evolving policy framework in 2024.

MORE INFO >>

Fri, May 3 - Sat, May 4

Northwest Trade Expo

Smithers, BC

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May 3 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
May 4 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Smithers Civic Centre
206 3rd Avenue
Smithers, BC

The Northwest Trade Expo 2024 will have over 70 business vendors, live entertainment, food gardens, and kids’ activities, it’s more than just a community and regional tradeshow – it’s a celebration of community spirit, a platform for Northern BC businesses, and a family affair.

MORE INFO >>

Tue, May 7

2024 BC Economic Summit: Transforming Industries – Empowering Communities

Penticton, BC

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May 7 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Penticton Lakeside Resort
21 Lakeshore Dr W
Penticton, BC

Dive into the heart of British Columbia’s economic engine in this insightful session at the BC Economic Summit, titled “Exploring Industry Sectors: Understanding the State of BC’s Key Economic Drivers.”

This panel discussion is a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the current status, challenges, and future prospects of three pivotal sectors that underpin the BC economy: mining, forestry, and manufacturing.

MORE INFO >>

Wed, May 8

BC Mining Month Community Fair 2024

Vancouver, BC

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May 8 @ 9:30 am – 2:00 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.

The Fair runs from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. Follow the event on Facebook for updates: Community Fair Facebook Event!

MORE INFO >>

Wed, May 8 - Fri, May 10

Minerals North

Kitimat, BC

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Informative pre-conference tours featuring the industry, history and natural attributes of Kitimat, followed by a one and a half day conference, delivering unrivaled, comprehensive and up to date information on exploration and mining activity happening in northern British Columbia. And expect a lively discussion about the political environment and resource development policy led by keynote speakers and renowned BC journalists, Vaughn Palmer and Keith Baldrey.

MORE INFO >>

Thu, May 9

GVBOT Annual Keynote Address

Vancouver, BC

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

British Columbia’s critical mineral and mining industry stands at a pivotal point in the global energy transition.

While critical minerals are essential for clean technologies and fighting climate change, ongoing challenges remain in adopting the right fiscal and regulatory policies to support the growth of B.C.’s mining sector.

To be sure, British Columbia is well-positioned to be a leading global supplier of responsibly-produced critical minerals and metals, but our time is limited to capitalize on this generational opportunity.

Join Michael Goehring, President and CEO of the Mining Association of BC, who will address what actions must be taken to seize the opportunity before us.

MORE INFO >>

2024 Natural Resources Forum

Kamloops, BC

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May 9 @ 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre
1250 Rogers Way

Kamloops, BC

Kamloops, the vibrant heart of BC, welcomes you to the 2024 Natural Resources Forum. As a cornerstone for innovative resource management and environmental stewardship, our region is at the forefront of the global journey towards a sustainable future. This year, the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to host this event that will share the future of our natural environment and economy.

MORE INFO >>

Fri, May 10 - Sun, May 12

BC Lapidary Society: Rock and Gem Show

Chilliwack, BC

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May 10 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
May 11 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
May 12 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Chilliwack Heritage Park
44140 Luckakuck Way
Chilliwack, BC

The British Columbia Lapidary Society hosts the BC Gem Show in BC each year. On the Saturday, they also host the Rocklovers-Round-Up Tailgate Sale, an additional building of dozens of informal sellers.

MORE INFO >>

Sun, May 12 - Wed, May 15

CIM Connect

Vancouver, BC

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Vancouver Convention Centre
West Building
1055 Canada Place

Vancouver, BC

CIM Connect 2024 promises three full days of immersive learning and knowledge exchange, complemented by professional development courses leading up to the convention. The trade show will feature companies showcasing cutting-edge products and services, providing a unique opportunity for networking and discovery. This year’s event will also include the 14th International Symposium on Mining with Backfill.

MORE INFO >>

Tue, May 14

Women in Mining BC Reception

Vancouver, BC

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May 14 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Vancouver Convention Centre
West Building
1055 Canada Place

Vancouver, BC

Join CIM and Women in Mining BC (WIMBC) for an evening of drinks and appetizers, to celebrate the values of diversity and inclusion in the mining industry. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse and vibrant community of industry professionals. Whether you’re looking to make new connections, share insights, or simply engage in meaningful conversations, you are welcome you to join and be a part of this empowering gathering.

MORE INFO >>

Minerals Ed: Career Fair

Vancouver, BC

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May 14 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Vancouver Convention Centre
West Building
1055 Canada Place

Vancouver, BC

Join us at CIM Connect for the MineralsEd Career Fair, specifically tailored for students in grades 10-12! This event offers an incredible opportunity for students to engage with employers and discover a diverse range of career options, spanning from science and engineering to trades.

Registration required. See link below. 

MORE INFO >>

Tue, May 14 to Fri, May 17

Elk Valley Mine Tours

Elk Valley

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To celebrate BC Mining Week Teck will be hosting mine tours the week of May 14 – 17 at their four operations.

A bus will pick up participants and depart at 9:30 am from both the Fernie Chamber of Commerce and the Blairmore Mall in the Crowsnest Pass. They will connect at the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, gather local participants, and depart at 10:30 am for the designated site.

MORE INFO >>

Wed, May 15 to Mon, Jun 10

Stewart Museum Scavenger Hunt

Stewart, BC

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Please go to the museum to pickup your scavenger hunt kit.

For more info and details call or email:

1-250-636-2229​
museumstewartbc@gmail.com

Thu, May 16

Geoscience BC & AME

Online

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The Next Generation of Critical Minerals Research in BC Focus

A webinar for Mineral Scholarship Students. Check Geoscience BC’s website for more details.

MORE INFO >>

Wed, May 22

Critical minerals – Permit to Prosperity, Conversations Live

Online

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May 22 @ 7:00 pm

Join us for a deep delve into critical minerals – the key role they play in our new economy, and why their supply is under pressure.

MORE INFO >>

Thu, May 23

Princeton Mining Day

Princeton, BC

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Free mine tours 10 am – 2 pm (mine tours depart from the ball fields at 10 am)

Free BBQ and interactive booths, face painting and more! 2 pm – 5 pm at Veteran’s Square

Limited space – vouchers available at Ace Fletcher Building Supplies & Princeton Visitor Centre.

Email heather.anderson@hudbayminerals.com for more details.

Seabridge Gold Open House

Smithers, BC

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From 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Seabridge Smithers Office, you’ll have the chance to learn about their exciting projects, the mining industry in BC, and meet the Smithers Seabridge team.

Celebrate Mining Month and discover the world of opportunities at Seabridge.

Schedule:

Doors Open: 4:00 pm
Presentation Session 1: 4:30 pm
Presentation Session 2: 5:15 pm
Door Prize Draw: 5:45 pm

Sparwood Chamber of Commerce BBQ

Sparwood, BC

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May 23 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Titan Park
141 A Aspen Drive
Sparwood, B.C.

MORE INFO >>

Sat, May 25

Rockin' Rocks - Kamloops Exploration Group Educational Display

Kamloops, BC

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May 25 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Aberdeen Mall
Centre Court
1320 Trans-Canada Highway West
Kamloops, BC

Hands-on educational activities for all ages (mainly kids, although ‘big kids’ will have lots of learning opportunities, too!

MORE INFO >>

Mon, May 27 to Thu, May 30

Community BBQs (Brucejack Mine, Newmont)

Nisg̱a'a Villages, BC

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  • Monday, May 27, Gitwinksihlkw, Ts’oohl Ts’ap Memorial Centre, 6-9pm
  • Tuesday, May 28, Gitlaxt’aamiks Community Centre, 6-9pm
  • Wednesday, May 29, Laxgalts’ap Community Centre, 6-9pm
  • Thursday, May 30, Gingolx Memorial Recreation Centre, 6-9pm

Materials

Mining Month 2024 Logo

One Province, One Economy

Mining is at the core of communities throughout the province. It provides well-paying, family-supporting jobs that have sustained generations of British Columbians and is a cornerstone of community development.

Critical Minerals Map

17 Critical Minerals Projects

Critical Minerals Infographic 1

Critical Minerals Infographic 2

Economic Impact Study

Critical minerals offer British Columbians a generational opportunity. Half of Canada’s 31 listed critical minerals are found or produced here in BC. There are 17 proposed critical mineral projects in BC in advanced stages of development.

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