The premier and two cabinet ministers were in Vancouver this week to promote the Yukon’s mineral resources at the Association for Mineral Exploration’s Roundup conference.

Premier Ranj Pillai, Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean and Energy, Mines and Resources Minister John Streicker made the trip.

The delegation highlighted the territory’s mineral potential and progressive mining industry along with a wide range of government initiatives underway to support mining, the government said in a statement Wednesday.

Those include regional land-use planning, wetlands stewardship, renewable energy and new minerals legislation under development in partnership with First Nations.

The Roundup is the world’s premier technical mineral exploration conference, bringing together exploration companies, geologists, governments and interested investors.

Thousands of people attend the event from all aspects of the global mineral exploration and mining sector.

During the gathering, which ends today, geologists from the Yukon Geological Survey presented the results of their fieldwork to the mining and investment community.

Territorial government officials also introduced exploration and mining companies and potential investors to the many mineral development opportunities in the territory, the statement said.

“I’m happy to join the innovative members of the mineral exploration industry at Roundup,” said Pillai, who doubles as the minister of Economic Development.

“This conference provides opportunities for many valuable discussions and lets us showcase the Yukon as an incredibly attractive location for investment.

“The mining sector is one of the leading economic drivers in the territory, and our government will continue to work side-by-side with our industry and First Nations partners to strengthen the Yukon’s position as a worldwide leader in this industry.”

Streicker said the government “supports a strong, responsible mining industry.

“The industry invests heavily in our Yukon communities and critical minerals needed for the transition to a clean-energy economy. Having face-to-face meetings with industry representatives at Roundup is a great way to highlight why the territory ranks as one of the most desirable mining jurisdictions in the world.”

The Yukon’s GDP by industry increased by 10 per cent in 2021.

Approximately 45 per cent of this growth is attributed to the mining sector, the government indicated.