Session Details
France is re-emerging as a significant and responsible mining jurisdiction in Europe, driven by the EU’s commitment to secure critical mineral supply chains and strengthen domestic industrial resilience. This half-day presentation will bring together senior representatives from the Government of France, the French Geological Survey (BRGM) and industry to explore how policy, science and private investment are aligning to enable a modern mining renaissance.
The session will open with a high-level overview of Europe’s critical minerals framework and France’s evolving strategic role within it, followed by a government perspective on recent regulatory reforms, permitting improvements and the economic rationale for renewed mineral development. A Canadian policy viewpoint will then highlight lessons from one of the world’s leading mining jurisdictions, offering insights into how regulatory stability, financing mechanisms and stakeholder engagement can inform France’s path forward.
BRGM will present its cutting-edge work in exploration innovation and sustainable resource development, demonstrating how public science is de-risking projects and supporting responsible mineral discovery. This will be complemented by an industry case study from Aquitaine Metals, illustrating real-world project advancement in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, including community engagement, the permitting progress and investment realities on the ground.
The session will conclude with a moderated, all-speaker panel discussion, allowing audience members to engage directly on questions related to policy, geology, permitting, financing and project development. The program will foster dialogue among government, scientific institutions, investors and mining executives, reinforcing France’s position as a credible, collaborative and forward-looking mining jurisdiction in Europe.