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.
Launched in September 2024, the Future of Mining Challenge invites companies from around the world to submit industry solutions aimed at improving operational efficiencies and 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.
In March 2025, Rethink Milling was announced as the winner of the 2024–2025 Future of Mining Challenge and was awarded US$1M for its Conjugate Anvil Hammer Mill and MonoRoll technologies, which have the potential to revolutionize the milling process. This innovative grinding technology demonstrates immense potential to deliver greater efficiency with significantly lower energy use, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.
The 2025–2026 challenge built off the success of the previous year’s challenge to focus on finding innovative, scalable technologies that support improved water management in mining. In March 2026, Cetos Water was named the 2025-2026 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 at www.futureofmining.ca.