Wheaton Precious Metals Announces Return of $1 Million Future of Mining Challenge to Foster Innovation in the Mining Industry

Rhea-AI Summary

Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE:WPM) has announced the return of its Future of Mining Challenge for 2025/26, offering a US$1 million award to promote innovation in sustainable mining practices. The challenge focuses on cleantech ventures developing technologies for sustainable water management in the mining industry.

The company is partnering with the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business for this initiative. Interested ventures can submit expressions of interest until August 29, 2025, with selected participants invited to submit full applications in September 2025. The winner will be announced at the PDAC Convention in Toronto in March 2026.

Positive

• Company demonstrates commitment to innovation and sustainability in mining sector
• Strategic partnership with UBC Sauder School of Business adds credibility to the initiative
• Focus on water management addresses a critical environmental challenge in mining

Negative

• None.

VANCOUVER, BC, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Building on the success of its inaugural year, Wheaton Precious Metals™ Corp. ("Wheaton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the return of its Future of Mining Challenge and invites ventures from around the world to propose industry solutions aimed at improving operational efficiencies and minimizing environmental impacts. 

"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," said Randy Smallwood, President and CEO of Wheaton Precious Metals. "As a partner to some of the world's leading mining companies, Wheaton is uniquely positioned to support the industry as it advances the delivery of essential commodities and materials in a more sustainable manner."

For the 2025/26 challenge, Wheaton will award US$1 million to a cleantech venture with innovative technology that seeks to advance sustainable water management in the mining industry.

"The goal of Wheaton's Future of Mining Challenge is to help unlock and support new technologies," said Patrick Drouin, Chief Sustainability Officer of Wheaton Precious Metals. "Our hope is that the award will help to advance the challenge winner's technology closer to commercialization."

Wheaton invites cleantech innovators worldwide to participate in its Future of Mining Challenge and will accept expressions of interest until the end of day on Friday, August 29, 2025. Once all expressions of interest have been received and reviewed, Wheaton will invite select ventures to submit a full application in September 2025.

This year, Wheaton 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.

The winner of the 2025/2026 Future of Mining Challenge will be announced in March 2026 during the PDAC Convention in Toronto, the largest mining conference in the world.

For more information about Wheaton's Future of Mining Challenge and how to submit an expression of interest, visit www.futureofmining.ca.  

About Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking-Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance of Wheaton. Forward-looking statements, which are all statements other than statements of historical fact, include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to innovative mining technology, the potential success of that technology, and its ability to be commercialized, ESG and climate change strategy, targets and commitments and climate scenario analysis by Wheaton and at mineral stream interests currently owned by Wheaton (the "Mining Operations"). Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Wheaton to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including (without limitation) risks relates to the ability to identify innovative mining technology, the potential success of that technology and the ability to commercialize that technology, risks related to the ability to achieve  ESG and climate change strategy, targets and commitments at both Wheaton and the Mining Operations and other risks discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business – Risk Factors" in Wheaton's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the risks identified under "Risks and Uncertainties" in Wheaton's Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2024, both available on SEDAR+ and in Wheaton's Form 6-K filed March 13, 2025, all available on EDGAR. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management currently believes to be reasonable, including (without limitation) that Wheaton will be able to identify innovative mining technology, ESG and climate change strategy, targets and commitments at both Wheaton and the Mining Operations will be achieved, there will be no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, that estimations of future production from the Mining Operations and mineral reserves and resources are accurate, that the mining operations from which Wheaton purchases precious metals will continue to operate, that each party will satisfy their obligations in accordance with the precious metals purchase agreements, and that Wheaton's application of the CRA Settlement is accurate (including the Company's assessment that there will be no material change in the Company's facts or change in law or jurisprudence for years subsequent to 2010) and possible domestic audits for taxation years subsequent to 2017 and international audits.  

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SOURCE Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

FAQ

What is the prize amount for Wheaton Precious Metals' (WPM) Future of Mining Challenge 2025/26?

The prize amount is US$1 million for a cleantech venture with innovative technology in sustainable water management for mining.

When is the deadline to submit expressions of interest for WPM's Future of Mining Challenge?

The deadline for expressions of interest is August 29, 2025.

What is the focus area of Wheaton Precious Metals' 2025/26 Mining Challenge?

The challenge focuses on sustainable water management technologies in the mining industry.

When will Wheaton Precious Metals announce the winner of the 2025/26 Future of Mining Challenge?

The winner will be announced in March 2026 during the PDAC Convention in Toronto.

Who is partnering with Wheaton Precious Metals for the 2025/26 Mining Challenge?

Wheaton is partnering with the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business, working with their team of experts in venture building and early-stage innovation support.