UNLOCKING BC’S CRITICAL MINERALS VALUE CHAIN

FINANCE, INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS



Following Energy and Mines’ sell-out Ontario Critical Minerals Forum in November, the BC Critical Minerals Forum, April 14-15, Vancouver, will bring together the key decision-makers from mining, finance, government and First Nations to discuss the opportunities and challenges for realizing BC’s full potential for critical minerals and their role in supporting security of supply, resilience and economic prosperity. 


With critical minerals at the intersection of economic development, reconciliation, and national security, the Forum will highlight the strategies needed to move projects from ambition to execution. Sessions will examine financing pathways, Indigenous-led partnership and ownership models, infrastructure and transmission expansion, permitting alignment, and opportunities to build midstream capacity to support a resilient and competitive supply chain.


Key Speakers Include:

Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire

Assistant Deputy Minister,

Policy-Industry,

Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire

President and COO

Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire

Head External Relations, Newmont North America

Why this event is important

1. Strengthening Canada’s Security and Supply Chains

As global competition intensifies, British Columbia’s critical minerals are vital to Canada’s national and economic security. This Forum highlights BC’s growing role in securing allied supply chains and supporting defence industrial policy across North America.

2. Indigenous Partnerships on Critical Minerals

Indigenous Nations are leading the way in shaping BC’s critical minerals future. From equity ownership and consent-based agreements to Indigenous-owned infrastructure, the Forum showcases how partnerships built on reconciliation and shared prosperity are redefining project certainty and investment attractiveness.

3. Unlocking the Northwest

Home to the Golden Triangle and 75% of Canada’s undeveloped copper potential, Northwest BC is a focal point for new development. The Forum brings together leaders from industry, government, and First Nations to discuss the energy, transmission, and infrastructure investments needed to unlock this region’s full potential.

4. Driving Permitting Reform and Project Certainty

Predictable, coordinated permitting is essential for investment. The Forum provides a platform for practical dialogue on regulatory reform, Indigenous consultation, and the “one project, one process” approach that can accelerate responsible project approvals.

5. Building Western Canada’s Midstream Capacity

Developing domestic processing and refining capabilities is critical to strengthening Canada’s position in the global supply chain. The Forum explores new models for midstream development in lithium, rare earths, and other strategic minerals to ensure BC remains globally competitive.

6. Attracting Investment and Supporting Junior Miners

With global investors, government financiers, and leading juniors on stage, the Forum provides essential insight into financing, offtake partnerships, and strategic investment trends. Delegates will gain a clear view of how to advance projects and attract capital in a fast-evolving critical minerals landscape.

Who you should attend this event and why?

Supporting Organizations

Thought Leadership Opportunities

Energy and Mines partners with organizations looking to build profile and thought leadership in the critical minerals sector. To explore opportunities and bespoke packages, contact events@energyandmines.com

Forum FAQs

  • When is the Forum?

    April 14th - April 15th, 2026

  • What is the venue?

    The Sheraton Wall Center

    1000 Burrard St, Vancouver, 

    BC V6Z 2S3


    We have discounted rooms available for attendees via this link

  • Who are the organizers?

    Energy and Mines is an Ottawa-based B2B conference company focused on driving opportunities for mining and energy through in-depth content and high-caliber events. This Forum is part of the Energy and Mines’ Critical Minerals event series which also includes the Ontario Critical Minerals Forum, November 18-19, 2025, Toronto, and Critical Minerals for Defence, June 9-10, 2026 Toronto. 

  • How do I register?

    Visit this page to register of if you need assistance, reach out to olivia.mendoza@energyandmines.com.


    We offer a reduced rate fee for government, first nation and academic attendees. We offer additional discounts for two or more registrations from the same organisation. Contact Olivia for assistance