An Invitation from the Roundup Committee Chair
We geoscientists are born explorers – venturing into the unknown, peering beneath the surface to discover the next big deposit. As mining around the world expands and matures, this becomes more challenging and we must learn to look at our industry from new perspectives and create new technologies to assist us in our discoveries. For the past 36 years, AME Roundup has been a place where explorers gather to learn from one another, celebrate our successes and put our heads together to visualize how to surmount the challenges facing the mining industry. We can recharge ourselves to fuel the search for future mineral discoveries.
Honouring this year’s theme, Lens on Discovery, AME is proud to present keynote speakers, short courses, technical sessions, core shacks, student resources and public outreach programs that encourage looking deeper, changing viewpoints and identifying new opportunities and untapped potential within our industry, and ourselves as professionals.
For Roundup 2020, we are excited to offer a short course on Machine Learning, a subject that has been of great interest and curiosity. Together with courses on porphyry and epithermal targeting, we believe there will be something for everyone. The Innovation Hub has been growing in popularity over the past few years and will focus on the application of geophysics amongst other new technologies. We also encourage you to visit the Project Generator’s Hub and Prospectors’ Tent to find your next potential project; while the Gathering Place provides a welcoming space for Indigenous, political and industry leaders. For hands-on geology, the Core Shack runs all four days in the Exhibit Hall and is always a must-see.
On behalf of the Association, I welcome you to AME Roundup 2020. We hope you enjoy an incredible conference that leaves you inspired, renewed and ready to discover for another year.
About AME
The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME represents, advocates, protects and promotes the interests of thousands of members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in B.C. and throughout the world. AME encourages a safe, economically strong and socially and environmentally responsible industry by providing clear initiatives, policies, events and tools to support its membership.
General Information
Venue
Vancouver Convention Centre East, “Under the Sails,” 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C.
Online registration
Visit roundup.amebc.ca to register and for conference, visitor and hotel information.
Registration inquiries
For registration questions, please contact Roundup Registration at 1.855.787.2457 (toll-free) or email [email protected]
Hotel information
AME has secured competitive rates at local hotels for Roundup 2020. Booking within the conference hotel block directly supports the association. We appreciate your support in booking your accommodations through our partnering hotels. Visit roundup.amebc.ca/attendees/ hotel-visitor-info/ for details.
Sponsors
The Association for Mineral Exploration sincerely thanks the sponsors of Roundup 2020 (as confirmed at the time of printing) for their support.
AME Roundup 2020 Patron Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Lead Media Sponsor
Sponsorship opportunities are available for AME Roundup 2021.For more information, please contact Roxanne Finnie, AME Director, Events & Membership, at 604.630.3927.
Technical Sessions
Official Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speaker
Monday, January 20 | Morning
Join us to kick off Roundup 2020 with conference keynote and political counterparts who will speak on the mineral exploration and development industry from both a local and global perspective and how that affects the local B.C. exploration sector.
Regional Overviews – B.C./Yukon/Alaska
Monday, January 20 | Morning
This signature session will provide an update on mineral exploration and mining activities in British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska. The content will link the latest geoscience information with the latest mineral exploration and mining industry activities. This session is geared to providing prospectors, exploration geologists, engineers, miners, financial analysts, investment organizations and senior industry leaders with a solid foundation and a vision to succeed.
New Geoscience
Monday, January 20 | Afternoon
The New Geoscience Session showcases the results of frontline geoscience initiatives bringing forward new ideas on the regional geology of the Cordillera and their bearing on mineralization. Topics will range from regional syntheses of important metallotects to focused studies highlighting new investigative approaches.
Theme Session – Seeing the Unseeable
Tuesday, January 21 | Morning
Exploring for ore deposits increasingly requires looking undercover and to deeper targets. Find out how new ways to see ore systems undercover, at depth or from their cryptic expressions on the surface can improve drilling success.
Commodities and Financial Markets Session
Tuesday, January 21 | Afternoon
This year’s session brings together a roster of industry experts including corporate advisory consultants, technical study directors, equity research analysts and commodity strategists to share their expertise on a wide range of financial and commodity-related matters. Presentation themes will include capital raising and business risks in today’s markets as well as commodity-specific discussions on the outlook for a variety of metals and mineral commodities. With a lineup of high-profile speakers, this session promises to be relevant, to-the-point, thought provoking and a highlight of Roundup for all attendees.
Precious Metals Session
Wednesday, January 22 | Morning
The Precious Metals Session will showcase selected gold and silver exploration projects from across Canada and around the world. The presentations will feature skilled mineral explorationists highlighting their recent successes based upon the elements of research, innovation, technical expertise and creative project management. The session will provide insights on a range of mineral deposits including mesothermal gold in Eastern Canada, porphyry and epithermal gold and silver in the Americas and beyond.
Base Metals Session
Wednesday, January 22 | Afternoon
The Base Metals markets have continued to see growing interest in long-term supply of copper, nickel and zinc. This trend is underpinned by dwindling existing reserves and emerging demand-side pressure arising from accelerating demand for electric vehicles and energy storage. In this session we aim to present new copper, nickel and zinc exploration projects from Canada and around the world, providing valuable insights to their geological setting and discovery story.
B.C./Yukon/Alaska Cordillera
Thursday, January 23 | Morning
This session covers a broad region in western North America with a diverse geologic history. This year’s focus will be on a selection of exciting and innovative exploration programs across a range of commodities and deposit types in B.C., Yukon, and Alaska.
Connect with your government. Roundup provides several opportunities to hear from elected officials.
Government – Industry Forum
Monday, January 20 | Afternoon
Mineral exploration and development are an integral part of Canada’s economic landscape and provide significant benefits to both rural and urban communities in British Columbia and across the country.
A competitive mineral exploration sector requires access to much of the provincial land base for exploration, streamlined regulatory and permitting processes, support of the public and Indigenous communities and access to risk capital.
The Roundup 2020 GovernmentIndustry Forum will include the following:
- Presentation and Q&A with Blair Lekstrom, Dawson Creek city councillor and former B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources on the theme of “Lessons in Public Engagement.”
- Presentation and panel moderation by Vaughn Palmer, The Vancouver Sun’s hard-hitting and award-winning provincial political columnist. The panel will include provincial and federal politicians and focus on the theme of competitiveness of British Columbia’s minerals sector.
AME’s The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place: Where Indigenous, government and industry leaders meet
Tuesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 22
Roundup 2020 takes place on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish people, including the lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ ílwətaʔɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
The Gathering Place provides a welcoming space for respectful dialogue where participants have the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences – lessons learned, best practices, challenges and successes relating to building mutually beneficial relationships with industry and Indigenous groups during mineral exploration and development. The Gathering Place is a multi-day “showcase” session and is a widely anticipated and actively attended event that attracts a broad range of Roundup attendees.
Short Courses
Register early for Short Courses; these are often sold out well in advance of the conference. AME’s short course program provides delegates with opportunities to go beyond the technical and best-practice sessions for practical expertise for daily on-the-job use.
Mining Company Disclosure 101
Saturday, January 18
Presented by the B.C. Securities Commission, TMX Group and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC)
Learn the fundamentals of scientific and technical disclosure that follows National Instrument 43-101.
This full-day course is designed to help geoscientists, engineers and a company’s officers and directors understand the requirements of mineral project technical disclosure, and the underlying principles. Technical disclosure examples and common situations will be explained, and ample time is included to address attendee questions.
Vectoring to and within Porphyry Copper Systems
Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19
Presented by Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU)
Porphyry copper systems can be huge, but form from a predictable series of processes that result in a predictable set of features that are related to the formation and cooling of hydrothermal fluids and their reactions with the host rocks. Exploration ![VELOUR PRODUCTIONS/AME]() geologists can exploit this predictability if they can recognize these features. This course will explain the patterns, trends and geometry of porphyry system geology, mineralization and vein types, alteration assemblages, mineralogy, geochemistry, physical properties and geophysical signatures, and the tools and methods to use them. This critical information, either individually or integrated, forms the foundation to improved exploration decision-making to vector towards the central and more mineralized part of the porphyry system.
Concepts and Application of Machine Learning to Mining Geoscience: A Practical Course
Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19
Presented by: Antoine Caté, Ph.D., Senior Consultant, SRK Consulting (Canada); Jean-Philippe Paiement, P.Geo., M.Sc., Director Global Consulting, Mira Geoscience; Erwan Gloaguen, Ph.D., holder of the Canadian Research Chair in Geophysical and Geological Data Assimilation for Modeling, INRS; and Martin Blouin, Ph.D., CEO and Lead AI, Geolearn
Over the last five years machine learning has been a growing subject of conversation in the mining industry. From targeting of mineral deposits to a connected mining environment, there is no doubt that artificial intelligence will play a key role in the industry in the near future. However, the subject can seem obscure and is often hard to grasp, which creates apprehensions from geoscientists.
This workshop intends to introduce the participants to the applications and evaluation of machine learning in mining geoscience. The main concepts and best practices for applied machine learning to exploration and mining will be reviewed. The course will be set in a practical framework, with a focus on the understanding and usage of different algorithms without detailing the mathematics behind each algorithm. Through a series of case studies, examples and hands-on exercises the attendees will learn how to best apply machine learning to different datasets and most importantly, evaluate the results produced by the algorithms.
Epithermal Ore Deposits and Transition to the Porphyry Environment: Formation and Exploration
Saturday, January 18, and Sunday, January 19
Presented by Jeffrey W. Hedenquist, Consulting Geologist, Ottawa, Canada
Most epithermal ore deposits form in the shallow (<1 km depth) magmatic-hydrothermal environment of volcanic arcs, with a commonly asymmetric transition to deeper (~1.5-3 km) intrusion-hosted ore deposits of the porphyry system. Alteration and subsequent precious and/ or base-metal mineralization at both epithermal and porphyry depths is related to the spatial and temporal evolution of the same hydrothermal system. Mineralogical interpretation is critical to assess epithermal and porphyry prospects: to determine erosion level (from paleosurface through the epithermal environment to near the tops of porphyry deposits); to correctly interpret geochemical and geophysical anomalies; and to estimate location, proximal or distal, relative to a potential ore deposit. Epithermal deposits also form in extensional settings with somewhat different mineralogy and metal characteristics, but with hydrothermal processes similar to those in arcs. Information from active hydrothermal systems, including fluids, flow paths and mineralogy, is useful when applied to exploring their extinct equivalents. This course stresses mineralogical interpretation coupled with exploration insights.
Geochemical Data: Acquisition, Quality, Management, Interpretation
Saturday, January, 18 and Sunday, January 19
Presented by: Dr. Dennis Arne and Dr. Pim van Geffen
This two-day short course is designed for geology students and geologists at the start of their careers looking for an overview of best practices in exploration geochemistry. Day 1 of the course would also be suitable for database professionals wishing to know more about the collection of geochemical data and the assessment of its quality, as well as for more seasoned geologists wishing to review recent advances in the collection, analysis, QA/QC and interpretation of geochemical data.
Controls on Precambrian Gold and Base Metal Deposits with a Focus on the Superior Craton
Sunday, January 19
Presented by: Dr. Ross Sherlock, Dr. John Ayer, Dr. Bruno Lafrance and Dr. Harold Gibson
Precambrian greenstone belts are an important metal source worldwide. As the rate of greenfield discoveries decreases, the challenge is to focus scarce exploration dollars to the most prospective areas to discover new deposits. The Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) at Laurentian University conducts field and laboratory research on mineral deposits and their ore systems to develop new exploration methodologies.
Student Guide to a Career in Exploration
Sunday, January 19
Presented by: Andy Randell, SGDS Hive
In this course, students will get the opportunity to learn more about the dynamic roles they will play in the exploration industry. The day will be split into two sessions, with the popular “Industry Speed Dating” in the morning, followed by “Exploration Monopoly” in the afternoon.
Industry “Speed Dating” allows small groups of people to talk face-to-face with industry leaders and learn about all aspects of the exploration industry. Alongside the more obvious geological applications, this is an opportunity to learn about First Nations, environmental, new technology and laboratory testing, all of which play a vital role in the day-to-day life of an explorationist. The afternoon session of “Exploration Monopoly” follows on from the success of the 2017 session. This is a team-based game played in the style of Monopoly, where attendees can take a prospect through to a discovery – if the cards are right!
Connect with mineral exploration leaders at Roundup 2020 events. Please check our Partner Events page for events hosted by AME Roundup’s partners.
Keynote Events
Tickets are available for purchase when registering.
Chair’s Welcome Dinner
– INVITATION ONLY
Sunday, January 19
AME Lunch
– Keynote to be announced
Monday, January 20
Reconciliation Breakfast
Tuesday, January 21
A discussion on how leaders can enable a culture of reconciliation through their work at our third annual Reconciliation Event sponsored by Teck Resources Limited.
Finance Lunch
Featuring: Haytham Hodaly, Wheaton Precious Metals
Tuesday, January 21
The AME Finance Lunch is a staple of Mineral Exploration Roundup that highlights the financial side of the mineral exploration industry.
Environment, Health and Safety Awards Breakfast
– Keynote to be announced
Wednesday, January 22
A keynote speaker will present on the latest in industry health and safety. Join AME and PDAC for the 2018 Safe Day, Everyday Gold Award presentation.
Old-Timers’ Lunch
– INVITATION ONLY
Wednesday, January 22
Awards Gala: Celebration of Excellence
Wednesday, January 22
AME proudly recognizes the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals and teams in the mineral resource, investment and mineral exploration industry at the annual AME Awards Gala. Visit our awards page on the AME website.
Networking Events
Ice Breaker Reception
Sunday, January 19
This opening reception provides a great opportunity for delegates to meet new Roundup attendees, as well as catch up with friends and colleagues.
Student-Industry Networking Event
Sunday, January 19
The Student Industry Networking Event provides an opportunity for students and industry representatives to network and discuss career opportunities and options within the mineral exploration sector, as well as other related industries, in a relaxed environment. Three lucky students also have the chance to win a tuition top-up from the business card draw.
For students, this is a great opportunity to get the career advice you may need! This event is not a job fair, so leave the resumé behind; however, we do recommend bringing business cards with information about your education, experience and contact details.
B.C. Night
Tuesday, January 21
AME’s famous B.C. Night is always a highlight at Roundup. All delegates are welcome to mark the midway milestone of the conference. Guests are in for a great time at B.C. Night! Connect with old friends, make new contacts and check out displays from groups representing the regions of B.C.
TSX Live Market Close
Thursday, January 23
Please join us to close the market for the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange on the last day of Mineral Exploration Roundup 2020! All are welcome.
Exhibit Hall Happy Hour
Monday, January 20 – Wednesday, January 22 (4:00pm to 5:00 pm daily)
Capping off the day in the Exhibit Halls, exhibitors and attendees enjoy a happy hour reception. All delegates are welcome.
Sporting Events
The sporting events are held off-site and registration is required.
Hockey Challenge
Monday, January 20, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Roundup Hockey Challenge is a fun event intended for all skill levels and will be open to all who are inclined to participate, to be held at Canlan Ice Sports Burnaby 8 Rinks for a mini-tournament with four teams competing in a winner takes-all event.
Curling Bonspiel
Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
This annual event is a great networking opportunity for those who love to curl or who would like to give it a try!
Free Family Event
Discovery Day
Sunday, January 19, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to attend Discovery Day. Explore and enjoy the interactive, innovative and educational displays. Bring the whole family down to experience the intrigue and excitement of our industry, with interactive and educational displays that will engage both adults and children.
Registration is not required for this event. Fun for the entire family, come down to this FREE EVENT and learn about the importance of minerals and metals in our everyday lives.
Exhibit Hall
The Exhibit Hall is a staple of Roundup and presents an unparalleled opportunity to visit a wide cross-section of companies working in the mineral exploration and development sector. Along with great exploration and service and supply companies, make sure to check out the Core Shack, Prospectors’ Tent and Poster Session, all located on the Exhibit Hall floor.
Dates: Monday, January 20, to Thursday, January 23
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday); 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Thursday)
Core Shack
The Core Shack showcases new discoveries, leading prospects, advanced projects and operating mines from around the world. Core Shack 2020 will feature drill core samples from projects in diverse countries and settings and represent a broad array of deposit types and project stages.
Innovation Hub and Innovation Stage
The hub is on the Exhibit Hall floor and talks are held on the Innovation Stage. The sessions will highlight technical, technological and social innovations in the industry. As our industry evolves, we are often faced with doing more with less. Learn from the Innovation Hub participants about how they have helped their clients do more with less, increasing understanding of their projects and presenting information more clearly and effectively. All passes welcome.
Innovation Stage: Vanguard Session
Monday, January 20, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Hear from companies on the leading edge of technology and how they are helping miners and explorers the world over find new deposits, expand existing deposits, improving stakeholder communications and furthering our understanding of industry best practices.
Innovation Stage: Geophysics Session *NEW
Tuesday, January 21, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Details on this new session will be available at roundup.amebc.ca.
Innovation Stage: Additions to the Geoscience Toolbox
Tuesday, January 21, 1:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Assembling new tools for your “Exploration Toolbox,” presenters will share results from recent innovative geoscience projects across Canada and deliver talks featuring new methodologies that support the mineral exploration and mining industries. Speakers represent national, provincial and territorial geological surveys, universities, and Canadian research agencies.
Innovation Stage: Innovation Hub Presentations
Wednesday, January 22, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Details on these talks will be available at roundup.amebc.ca.
Innovation Stage: Social Innovation in Mineral Exploration
Thursday, January 23, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This session will profile AME’s recently released video series on social engagement/innovation in mineral exploration and development. Presenters will focus on case studies and leading examples around integrating social aspects into company policies and practices and on engaging with people and communities around exploration sites.
Check back at roundup.amebc.ca for more program information for the Innovation Hub and Innovation Stage.
Prospectors’ Tent
The Prospectors’ Tent provides an opportunity for independent prospectors to present their hard-earned mineral properties and discoveries. Featuring displays of maps, rock samples, drill core, sketches, photographs and analyses, it’s a great place to see properties with potential, and perhaps to make some discoveries of your own.
Poster Session
Posters will be on display on Monday, January 20, only
The Poster Session is Canada’s premier venue for dissemination and examination of applied mineral deposit and exploration geoscience research.
The Poster Session hosts over 80 presenters from leading government, academic and industry research organizations that gather at Roundup to share pioneering work on the genesis and distribution of mineral resources throughout Canada, and beyond.
The Poster Session also enjoys participation from graduate students working at universities across Canada and around the world, and AME is proud to promote the excellent work being done by our newest members of the mineral deposit community. In addition to presenting cutting-edge research, student contributors will be competing for the most innovative, interesting and accessible economic geoscience presentation of the year.
Poster Session Author and Student Presentations
Monday, January 20, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Authors will be available at their posters to discuss their projects and results. Students participating in the Soapbox Talks will deliver five-minute snapshots of their research and results.
Project Generators Hub
The Project Generators Hub will feature companies daily that specialize in generating exploration ideas and turning these ideas into active projects. These “Project Generators,” as they are known, typically maintain a portfolio of projects that can be advanced by creating joint-venture partnerships with other companies. The project generator business model mitigates risk by exposing shareholders to the potential of multiple mineral discoveries, while conserving capital and managing equity dilution. The Hub will allow each company to exhibit maps and rocks from properties they would like to option/joint venture.
Finding joint venture partners is a key component for a successful Project Generator. Visitors to the Hub would be exploration and mining companies seeking new projects, as well as students who wish to learn about advancing projects from concept to drill stage.
The Project Generators Hub will be located on the Exhibit Hall floor with presenting companies changing each day. Come by for a coffee and chat with some of the hottest prospects. Visit roundup.amebc.ca for the announcement of presenters.
AME Annual General Meeting (AGM)
AME MEMBERS ONLY
Wednesday, January 22, 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The 109th Annual General Meeting of the Association for Mineral Exploration gives AME an opportunity to update members on the Annual Work Plan and achievements of the Association. The meeting also enables members to participate in the governance and leadership of the organization.
All members of AME will receive a notice of the time and location. We welcome and look forward to your participation as a member of AME.