About

Wheaton Precious Metals launched the Future of Mining Challenge to help drive innovation across the mining sector—supporting solutions that improve efficiency while enabling the responsible production of essential materials. Since its inception, the Challenge has awarded US$2 million to two cleantech ventures advancing more sustainable mining practices.

As global demand for minerals critical to the low-carbon transition continues to grow, so too does the need for more responsible and efficient mining. We believe innovation is essential to meeting this challenge, both to reduce environmental impacts and to strengthen industry performance. However, integrating new technologies at scale takes time and collaboration across the sector.

The Future of Mining Challenge invites ventures from around the world to propose solutions that enhance operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Each year, the winning venture receives a US$1 million award, along with industry exposure to help accelerate the path to commercialization.

The Challenge

Wheaton's 2026/2027 Future of Mining Challenge is focused on advancing solutions that optimize mining methods and reduce impacts on land. Wheaton is seeking expressions of interest from ventures who have innovative, scalable technologies that have the potential to improve how ore bodies are understood, how material is extracted, and how land disturbance is minimized, while creating operational efficiencies at mine sites.

Areas of interest include:

Ore Body Knowledge

  • AI-driven ore body characterization and predictive geology
  • Subsurface sensing and imaging technologies
  • Sensor-based ore sorting and real-time grade control

Extraction Methods

  • Data-driven optimization of blasting, drilling, and mine-to-mill workflows
  • Precision mining to reduce waste rock and energy use
  • Novel extraction technologies and approaches to material movement

Solutions should demonstrate potential for significant impact and scalability across the mining industry.

Proposed solutions must meet the following criteria: 

1. Demonstrate sustainable land impact reduction in mining operations

2. Applicable to base metal and/or precious metals mining

3. Scalable on a global perspective

4. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4-9:

Once again, Wheaton’s Future of Mining Challenge is collaborating with the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, working closely with a team that brings deep expertise in venture building and early-stage innovation support.

Wheaton invites cleantech innovators worldwide to participate in its Future of Mining Challenge and will accept expressions of interest until 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Friday, August 21, 2026. Once all expressions of interest have been reviewed, Wheaton will invite select ventures to submit a full application in September 2026. An information session will be held in early July to provide guidance for applicants and address questions on the process.

Solutions will be assessed on the strength of the technology; team and implementation; market and impact. Please see below for the relevant materials and links to apply.

Applicant guide & FAQ Submit an Expression of Interest Contact

2025/2026 Future of Mining Challenge Winner

2025 Winner

On Monday, March 2, 2026, Wheaton Precious Metals announced the winner of its 2025/2026 Future of Mining Challenge at the Technology Showcase, held alongside the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention in Toronto.

Cetos Water was named the Challenge winner and awarded US$1 million in recognition of its innovative technology, which transforms wastewater generated by mining operations into clean, reusable water—advancing more sustainable and responsible mining practices.

Learn more about Cetos Water:

Website: Cleaning Wastewater, Improving Water Access

Video: Wheaton Future of Mining Challenge Winner: Cetos Water

About Wheaton Precious Metals

Wheaton Precious Metals is the world’s premier precious metals streaming company, providing shareholders with access to a high-quality portfolio of low-cost, long-life mines around the world. Through strategic streaming agreements, Wheaton partners with mining companies to secure a portion of their future precious metals production. Committed to responsible mining practices, Wheaton employs industry-leading due diligence practices with a goal of unlocking long-term value for shareholders while supporting the broader mining industry to deliver the commodities society needs through access to capital. Wheaton’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange under the symbol WPM. Learn more about Wheaton Precious Metals at www.wheatonpm.com or follow us on social media.

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