Sue Craig and Heather Burrell, C0-Chairs
53rd Annual Yukon Geoscience Forum & Trade Show

Welcome to the 54th Annual Yukon Geoscience Forum.

As your cochairs, we are honoured to gather under this year’s theme, “Geology to Geopolitics: Our Future Together.” It reflects the growing reality that the work we do in the North, from mapping bedrock to managing resources, we are moving mountains far beyond the Yukon. The Yukon sits at a unique intersection where science, policy, government and community priorities, and global forces meet.

The Geoscience Forum is where those connections come into focus. Over the coming days, we will explore how geoscience informs decisionmaking, how collaboration strengthens our communities, and how our shared choices today influence the North’s role in a rapidly changing world.

We extend our sincere thanks to the volunteer organizing committee, whose dedication, long hours, and steady leadership make this event possible each year. We also gratefully acknowledge our conference sponsors, whose support ensures that this forum remains a place for meaningful dialogue, innovation, and partnership.

Thank you for joining us. We look forward to the conversations and connections that will shape our future together.

Sincerely,
Sue Craig and Heather Burrell
Co-Chairs
54th Annual Yukon Geoscience Forum & Trade Show

Michael McClelland, CEO, BMC Minerals

BMC is a proud member of the Yukon Chamber of Mines, and we are very pleased to once again be the Patron Sponsor for the annual Yukon Geoscience Forum. The work the Chamber does to represent our industry is invaluable and as we navigate an increasingly uncertain world, the Chamber’s efforts will continue to be critical to the overall success of our industry.

This year’s Conference theme Geology to Geopolitics: Our Future Together couldn’t be timelier. Global trade, already under strain from a year and a half of tariff pressures, was further complicated by a war in the middle east that severely impacted free transit of critical commodities through the Strait of Hormuz with a resulting impact on the cost of living and doing business globally and locally. A continuing war further east in Ukraine and the hegemonic ambitions of a superpower in Asia means the uncertainty will continue.

But with uncertainty comes opportunity. Canada has been forced to look away from the US to develop new markets and trading partners and while the US will always be our most significant partner this change can be a positive for the country. Global disruptions have also highlighted the need for likeminded countries to work together to secure supplies and supply chains, especially in critical minerals. This too is a positive development born out of difficult circumstances.

The Yukon is well positioned to be a leader in this new reality. It is blessed with an enviable mineral endowment of critical minerals and precious metals that the world needs. We have a strong, innovative and responsible exploration and mining sector committed to building strong partnerships with First Nations, governments, and communities. We also have challenges that we, collectively, need to address and I believe we can and will do just that.

We have the Geology, and we understand the impact Geopolitics has and will continue to have. To build Our Future Together all we need to do is seize the opportunity that’s before us.
BMC looks forward to being a positive part of the Yukon’s future in the long term. We wish all delegates a very successful Geoscience and we look forward to seeing everyone over the course of the conference.

Ted Laking | Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources

I hope you will join us November 16-19, 2026, at the 54th annual Yukon Geoscience Forum & Trade Show in Whitehorse.

It’s an exciting time for mining and mineral exploration in the Yukon. Historically high gold prices and the Yukon’s inventory of world-class critical mineral deposits of copper, zinc and tungsten support unprecedented levels of exploration in the territory. We continue to help stimulate new minerals discoveries through the Yukon Mineral Exploration Program, which is providing $1 million in funding this year.

For explorers seeking to discover the Yukon’s next big ore deposit, our government is working hard to improve timelines for regulatory decisions and to make our approvals processes more transparent.

We are also working with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to speak with a united voice about the importance of increased federal support to encourage northern mineral exploration and development. This work is focused on critical minerals infrastructure and improved tax incentives.

This year’s conference will provide plenty of opportunities to learn about the territory’s latest mineral exploration success stories, to hear about research from our experts at the Yukon Geological Survey and to talk with staff from Energy Mines and Resources who contribute to the Yukon’s vibrant exploration and mining industry. We look forward to seeing you at the conference.

Ted Laking
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources

Jen Gehmair | Minister of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture

I am pleased to invite you to the 54th Annual Yukon Geoscience Forum & Trade Show, taking place in Whitehorse from November 16 to 19.

Each year, the forum brings together the people, knowledge, and ideas that shape the Yukon’s mineral future. It provides a unique platform for collaboration and dialogue across the sector, as Yukon First Nations, industry leaders, geoscientists, investors, students, and government partners come together to share insights and explore new opportunities in mineral exploration and development.

The Yukon holds significant geological potential, with strong occurrences of precious and critical minerals that play an important role in global supply chains and the transition to cleaner energy. As demand for these resources continues to grow the Yukon is well positioned to contribute through responsible and informed development.

The Government of Yukon remains committed to supporting a strong, competitive, and responsible resource sector, one that advances economic opportunities while upholding long-term sustainability.

I encourage participants from across the territory and beyond to take part in this year’s forum and conversations that will help shape the future of Yukon’s geoscience and mining sector.

Jonas Smith, Executive Director, Yukon Chamber of Mines

On behalf of the Yukon Chamber of Mines team, we extend a warm Yukon welcome and our sincere appreciation to you all as we come together to make the 54^th Annual Yukon Geoscience Forum & Trade Show a resounding success.

As we reflect on the past year and share our experiences, we are also very excited to cast our eyes forward and explore our resilient industry’s innovations, partnerships and opportunities for the benefit of our sector, our community and our country.

The Yukon, as our small corner of the world, has an enormous impact thanks to your commitment and your work. We have so much to contribute to energy, arctic security and socio-economic certainty and why this year’s theme of Geology to Geopolitics: Our Future Together emerged.

Our industry continues to give back; a facet of which I am extremely proud, and last year was no exception. From school programs and food banks to local youth sports teams and cultural performances, our industry leaders continue to forge a path towards possibility and prosperity. From the Yukon for the Yukon and beyond.

I wish everyone a rewarding and enriching few days and I look forward to connecting with you. Thank you again for coming.

Sincerely,

Jonas Smith
Executive Director
Yukon Chamber of Mines