About

Wheaton Precious Metals launched its Future of Mining Challenge in September 2024 with a goal to support the mining industry to innovate, improve efficiencies, and deliver essential commodities and materials in a more sustainable manner.

There is a growing demand for the minerals needed to fuel the transition to a low-carbon economy. At the same time, as the essential role of mining is increasingly brought into the spotlight, there is heightened scrutiny around the industry's practices and carbon footprint. Constant innovation is essential to responsibly meet the growing global demand for minerals and metals, and it is the driving force behind Wheaton’s Future of Mining Challenge. We know it can take a long time to integrate new technology across global mining operations and it requires industry support to get there.

Wheaton’s Future of Mining Challenge invites ventures from around the world to propose industry solutions aimed at improving operational efficiencies while minimizing environmental impacts. The award for the winning venture of Wheaton’s annual Future of Mining Challenge is US$1 million and industry exposure to help propel their innovative solution forward toward commercialization.

The Challenge

Wheaton’s 2025/2026 Future of Mining Challenge focuses on finding innovative, scalable technologies that support sustainable water management in mining, including innovations related to water use reduction and efficiency; water monitoring; and tailings and wastewater management.

Proposed solutions must meet the following criteria: 

  • Support significant improvements in water management in mining 
  • Have a clear, actionable path to implementation and be scalable on a global perspective 
  • Are at technology readiness level (TRL) 4-9 
  • Be directly relevant to base or precious metals mines that are operating or in active closure. Solutions that are specific to legacy mine remediation/post closure or off-site refining and smelting will not be considered.  

This year, Wheaton’s Future of Mining Challenge is proud to be collaborating with the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, working alongside a team with deep expertise in venture building and early-stage innovation support.

Applicant guide & FAQ Contact Past challenges

Wheaton’s Future of Mining Challenge Winning Solutions

2025/2026 Winner

2025 Winner

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

Cetos Water was named the 2026 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: Cleaning Wastewater, Improving Water Access

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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