Small exploration companies, known as “juniors” in the sector, play a vital role in identifying mineral deposits that will become future producing mines. Compared to larger mining companies, these exploration firms are often underfunded, more vulnerable to commodity price volatility, and face unique financial, regulatory, and sustainability challenges. This session will examine how governments can align fiscal and financing tools, permitting systems, and policy frameworks to attract responsible mineral exploration.

Moderator:

• Tatiana Aguilar, World Economic Forum 

Speakers:

• Grégoire Bellois, Lead, Critical Minerals and Geology, IGF
• Philippe Cohen, Finance and Resource Sector Advisor, Switzerland
• Jeff Killeen, Director, Policy and Programs, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC)
• Saliou Samb, Director of Geology, Ministry of Mines and Geology, Senegal