With a 20% increase in exploration spending in B.C. when compared to 2012, reaching a total of C$246 million, the potential for new discoveries has brought optimism back to the province. Although raising capital is still a strong challenge faced in the industry given cannabis and crypto-currency distractors, Vancouver continues to serve as a global mining hub, hosting over 800 juniors and industry players who work around the globe. The B.C. Regional Mining Alliance (BCRMA) was recently formed in order to increase transparency in permitting and development. There is also a strong push for reconciliation with indigenous groups, making B.C. a global leader in working with local communities. A strong interest in Latin America is palpable, with numerous Canadian companies navigating political systems with very different sets of rules and regulations, while exporting cutting-edge technology and best practices across the continent and globe. From ore sorting to machine learning, companies continue to hunt for the most efficient solutions to increase productivity and optimise processes.