Premier Ranj Pillai and a Yukon government delegation have completed a mission to Europe where they attended several mining conferences and held meetings with government and business leaders to promote opportunities in the Yukon, notably as a secure and stable supply for the critical minerals that the world needs to support the clean energy transition.
In Frankfurt, Premier Pillai gave a keynote presentation at the Deutsche Goldmesse (German Gold Show) and participated in investor meetings.
The Premier and delegation travelled to London for speaking engagements, meetings and events tied to the 3rd Annual Critical Minerals Association Conference and the Mines and Money @ Resourcing Tomorrow Conference.
While in London, Premier Pillai held discussions with two United Kingdom (UK) Members of Parliament who are directly charged with critical minerals and trade. He also met with Canadian teams operating in the UK, including an in-depth discussion on the Yukon’s interests with the High Commissioner for Canada to the UK Ralph Goodale.
In addition, the Premier was received at the headquarters of Rio Tinto, delivered remarks at several sessions to Resourcing Tomorrow and connected with mining industry leaders in bilateral meetings.
This mission was a valuable step for the Government of Yukon to promote innovation and collaboration in critical minerals and create lasting relationships to increase investments in the territory. It also provided opportunities to emphasize First Nations involvement in the Yukon’s mining industry and to share updates on the progress of the co-development of new minerals legislation, which supports a modern and sustainable mining industry.
This mission was an opportunity to share Yukon opportunities with UK and European governments and key leaders in the mining industry. It also provided opportunities to promote collaboration and innovation in critical mineral as well as the necessity of First Nations involvement. The first step for any mining initiative needs to be a direct meeting with affected Yukon First Nations. Building relationships is the way to increase investments and create the connections necessary to support critical mineral projects and prospects. I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes from this tour.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca