The Future Minerals Initiative (FMI) is an interdisciplinary research cluster which brings together academic researchers, Indigenous community leaders, and industry professionals to re-imagine the global mineral resource sector. 

FMI draws on expertise in Earth sciences, engineering, law, economics and public policy, to drive technical innovation in mineral exploration and mining, while reimagining the environmental, social and human rights dimensions of mineral resources in the context of Indigenous sovereignty. We aim to position British Columbia as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of the mineral resource sector, working to create the world’s most technologically advanced and socially responsible mining jurisdiction.

A subset of FMI members received a 2021 Killam Connection grant to create a new interdisciplinary graduate course, “Heavy Metal: Earth’s Minerals and the Future of Sustainable Societies”, which examines the scientific, economic, political and social aspects of the mining life cycle, from mineral exploration to mine closure.

The FMI also builds on a developing collaboration with the Tahltan First Nation, whose unceded traditional territory is rich in mineral resources and occupies an extensive area of Northwestern BC. Over the past year, we have engaged with Tahltan partners around the co-creation of community-based research and educational programs in Earth sciences and mining. We seek to expand this discussion among other BC First Nations, building increased capacity for Indigenous leadership of mineral resource projects and environmental stewardship.