2026 Decarbonization & Sustainable Mining Operations Conference

Overview

The Decarbonization & Sustainable Mining Operations Conference brings together mining companies, technology innovators, equipment manufacturers, government agencies, researchers, investors, and sustainability leaders to accelerate the mining industry's transition toward low-carbon, energy-efficient, and sustainable operations.

The conference showcases practical technologies, business strategies, and collaborative approaches that help mining companies reduce emissions while maintaining productivity, profitability, and global competitiveness.

Conference Theme

Accelerating the Transition to Net-Zero Mining

The conference focuses on enabling mining companies to achieve meaningful decarbonization through innovation, technology deployment, and operational transformation.

Key themes include:

• Mine electrification
• Renewable energy integration
• Energy efficiency and operational optimization
• ESG leadership and sustainability reporting
• Carbon measurement and emissions reduction
• Innovation funding and commercialization
• Climate resilience
• Responsible mining practices

Major Topics

The conference agenda explores technologies and strategies that are transforming sustainable mining, including:

• Pathways to net-zero mining
• Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions reduction
• Battery-electric mining equipment
• Hydrogen and hybrid energy systems
• Renewable energy for remote mine sites
• Smart energy management systems
• AI-driven operational optimization
• Digital twins for energy management
• Sustainable mine planning and design
• Electrified haulage and ventilation
• ESG reporting and regulatory compliance
• Carbon management and emissions monitoring
• Workforce transformation and skills development
• Indigenous partnerships in clean energy and mining infrastructure
• Innovation funding and strategic partnerships

Who Attends

The conference attracts senior decision-makers from across the mining ecosystem, including:

• Chief Sustainability Officers
• Vice Presidents and Directors of Operations
• ESG and Sustainability Leaders
• Heads of Energy, Climate, and Decarbonization
• Mine Managers and General Managers
• Engineering and Mine Planning Leaders
• Processing and Metallurgy Specialists
• Operational Excellence Leaders
• Government and Regulatory Agencies
• Universities and Research Organizations
• Engineering and Consulting Firms
• Utilities and Energy Providers
• OEMs and Mining Equipment Manufacturers
• Digital Technology and Automation Companies
• Environmental and ESG Solution Providers
• Investors and Financial Institutions

Industry Participation

The conference features speakers and case studies from leading organizations across the mining industry, including:

• Hudbay Minerals
• Teck Resources
• NexGen Energy
• Skeena Resources
• Freeport-McMoRan
• Baffinland Iron Mines
• Orla Mining
• First Majestic Silver
• Government of British Columbia
• The Open Group
• University of British Columbia – Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining

The advisory board includes leaders from mining companies, academia, government, and innovation organizations, including representation from CEMI and the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA).

Why This Event Matters for CEMI and MICA

This conference aligns closely with CEMI and MICA's mission to accelerate the commercialization and deployment of mining innovation.

Key areas of alignment include:

• Accelerating commercial deployment of clean mining technologies
• Scaling innovations beyond successful pilot projects
• Supporting mine electrification and energy transition
• Connecting mining companies with Canadian technology SMEs
• Enabling collaboration between mine operators, governments, researchers, and innovators
• Advancing Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy through innovation
• Demonstrating the business value of sustainability investments

The conference provides an excellent opportunity to engage with mining companies seeking practical, commercially deployable solutions that reduce emissions while improving productivity and operational performance.

Strategic Opportunities

Participation provides opportunities to:

• Develop new commercialization partnerships
• Recruit new MICA members
• Identify technologies ready for commercial deployment
• Connect with mining companies investing in sustainability
• Showcase Canadian mining innovation
• Build relationships with technology providers and OEMs
• Explore government and industry funding opportunities
• Expand international collaboration on sustainable mining initiatives

CEMI/MICA Strategic Positioning

The conference provides an ideal platform for CEMI and MICA to demonstrate leadership in bridging the commercialization gap between innovation and mine-site deployment.

By showcasing successful technology implementation, collaborative innovation models, and commercialization pathways, CEMI and MICA can demonstrate how Canadian mining innovation contributes to:

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Improved mine productivity
• Stronger domestic supply chains
• Increased competitiveness
• Export growth
• Sustainable economic development

This message aligns directly with the conference's objective of accelerating the mining industry's transition toward net-zero operations through practical innovation and technology deployment.