New parternship set to grow BC's expertise in biomining

VANCOUVER – A new partnership between Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) and the University of British Columbia (UBC) Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining (BRIMM) is set to grow BC’s local expertise in biomining while demonstrating how biological tools can solve industry challenges. 

“Genome’s Agrifood and Natural Resources Team focuses on advancing genomic technology and innovation for practical applications in sectors important to British Columbia, including mining & energy, forestry, agriculture, fisheries & aquaculture and the environment. Our goal is to support and grow a sustainable and competitive low carbon resource-based economy in BC.”

–David Charest, Genome BC's Director, Research and Innovation, Agrifood and Natural Resource

What are Genomes?

 “Genomics is the study of an organism's complete set of DNA, its genome. Think of the genome as the master set of blueprints for a living thing: it contains all the instructions needed for building and operating that organism, from its smallest cells to its overall form and function,” David Charest told WATERTODAY in an email.

“Genomics studies these blueprints to understand how the various components (genes) work together, interact and are influenced by the environment. This understanding helps us improve health, biodiversity and our understanding of the world around us.”

Biomining

 At its core biomining is the use of microorganisms to extract metals from mineral ores and waste streams. This biological approach allows companies to recover valuable materials from low-grade ores and treat complex waste, including tailings and polluted water, that traditional chemical or mechanical processes cannot efficiently manage.

Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining (BRIMM) was founded in 2017 to create a new legacy for the mining industry. BRIMM connects scientists, engineers, and social scientists across the University of British Columbia (UBC) to promote cross-disciplinary research spanning the entire life cycle of mining, from early exploration to mine closure and rehabilitation. With more than 300 years of combined expertise from its founder, Dr. Peter Bradshaw, Director, Dr. John Steen and members of its Advisory Board, BRIMM has a deep network for making industry and academic connections with groundbreaking research.

The Partnership

 Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for 25 years, growing a world class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has contributed to funding more than 600 genomics research and innovation projects. Genome BC invests in a wide range of research areas including health, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, environment and conservation and mining.

 These initiatives enhance healthcare and address environmental and natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians.

Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public.

 Genome BC Interim President and CEO, Tony Brooks, and UBC BRIMM Director, John Steen, jointly announced the new partnership.

“An opportunity emerged when Rio Tinto chose the University of British Columbia (UBC) as one of five universities to join the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials (RTCFM), launched in 2024. Rio Tinto has committed $150 M USD over 10 years to challenge scientific innovators and industrial disruptors to reimagine how the mining industry can extract, use and reuse materials,” Charest told WT.

“Building on the history between UBC BRIMM and Genome BC in advancing genomics-enabled technologies for the mining sector, this opportunity presented a valuable opportunity to collaborate with an industry partner to de-risk technologies suitable for operational use,” Charest continued.

 Through the Biomining Innovation Partnership, Genome BC will commit up to $1 million over three years towards research projects that further develop the genomics-driven and -enabled innovation developed by the UBC BRIMM team with RTCFM.

 “Genome BC’s support will not only enable the scale-up of innovations but also train skilled workers in biomining in British Columbia, creating a biomining hub with operational readiness in mind,” Charest added.

 This alignment ensures that research conducted at UBC is directly informed by the real-world operational needs of global mining leaders. By demonstrating the value proposition of biomining through collaborative use cases, the partnership aims to attract further co-investment from industrial consortia.

As the mining sector globally looks to reduce its environmental impact, the ability to identify and harness specific biological resources will become a significant competitive advantage. This partnership positions British Columbia as a leader in the biomining ecosystem, providing a clear roadmap for integrating biotechnological advances into mineral extraction and mine waste management.

Charest wrapped his response to questions put forward by WT: “As our Interim President and CEO, Tony Brooks, said: ‘By investing in this partnership, we are de-risking the development of genomic tools that allow industry to harness nature’s own processes to capture resources and ensure a more sustainable bioeconomy.’ To that I would like to add, the partnership is open to discussing opportunities with interested industry players across Canada.”