Resourcing Tomorrow, one of the leading global events for mining and critical minerals, hosted annually in London, returned stronger than ever in 2025, welcoming over 2,000 attendees on its opening day.

Bringing together industry leaders, investors and government representatives from more than 90 countries around the world, the conference again set the stage for powerful discussions on the geopolitical turbulence and energy-security pressures pushing mining to the forefront of global strategy.

The three-day event opened with a compelling welcome from Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), who issued a clear call to action, urging the industry to “go beyond the headlines and confront the real forces at play.”

“The headlines shout about soaring mineral demand, looming shortages and an urgent need for new mines,” he said.

“The G7, G20, IEA, UN – every major body has critical minerals at the top of their agenda. Over 100 countries have released strategies. Never has mining had so much global attention.

“Yet metal plants are closing. Majors are restructuring. Outside of gold and copper, prices are weaker. New projects are stalling. And the entire mining sector is valued at less than one-third of Nvidia.

“Something doesn’t add up.

“So what’s going on?

“I believe the disconnect comes down to three paradoxes – rarely understood outside niche corners of the industry.”

Dhawan said the three were the paradoxes of demand without supply, of green ambition without affordable energy, and mining’s “internal” contradiction of urgent need without innovation adoption.

“My hope is that by naming them we can unlock the collective action needed to achieve the mission of Resourcing Tomorrow 2025: a responsible and resilient mineral supply chain.”

Following yesterday’s landmark Government Roundtable, which convened ministerial-level representatives from 64 countries, today’s agenda built on that momentum with a standout session, “Key Insights from the Government Roundtable.” The panel featured:

• Ian Morrissette, Deputy Minister for Mines, Québec
• Rebecca Tomkinson, Agent General, Government of Western Australia
• Georgie Pirie, Minister of Mines, Government of Ontario
• Cade Libby, Deputy Minister, Government of New Brunswick

The session reinforced the event’s reputation for genuine public-private dialogue and showcased the collaborative spirit driving this year’s theme, “Securing Metals and Minerals, Empowering the Future.”

Day one leaned firmly into the industry’s most urgent conversations: navigating geopolitical risk, enabling energy transitions and accelerating critical minerals development with both ambition and accountability. Delegates from across the global value chain – policy, finance, operations, technology, and academia – converged to share strategies and spotlight innovation. Country pavilions were a standout feature, offering insight into regional capabilities and showcasing how jurisdictions are jockeying to position themselves in a rapidly shifting minerals landscape.

Innovation also stole attention on the show floor, not least with Forze Hydrogen Racing’s hydrogen-powered race car—a memorable demonstration of how next-generation materials and engineering can intersect to produce bold, sustainable outcomes.

“It’s been fantastic to see such a diverse group of leaders and innovators come together,” said Nick Rastall, Resourcing Tomorrow Event Director. “The energy on day one has been exceptional – new partnerships are already emerging, the discussions have been substantive, and there’s a clear recognition across the sector that the time for decisive action is now.”

One of the centrepiece discussions, was “Mining’s Role in Securing Critical Minerals and Addressing Supply Chain Vulnerabilities in the Defence Industry.”

The high-level panel included Zoe White, Head of Policy, Plans & Partnerships, NATO, and Adam Burstein, Technical Director, Strategic and Critical Minerals, US Department of Defense.

Moderated by Rolf Kuby, Director General of Euromines, the session explored the defence sector’s surging demand for critical minerals, the geopolitical realities of supply concentration and the policy levers needed to strengthen resilience.

Bringing together leadership, innovation and collaboration at every level, the opening day of Resourcing Tomorrow set a new benchmark reinforcing the event’s reputation as the premier global platform for the critical minerals ecosystem. With two more packed days ahead the momentum is only just beginning.