Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining

Summary

At AME Roundup 2026 in Vancouver, leaders from research, industry, and Indigenous organizations gathered to explore how genomics and microbiology are transforming the mining sector. The session highlighted growing momentum around biologically enabled approaches to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support more collaborative resource development.

The event opened with Tony Brooks of Genome BC, who emphasized the organization’s role in funding and de-risking early-stage innovation. He highlighted genomics as a powerful tool for challenges such as metal recovery, water management, and mine remediation, and announced a new Biomining Innovation Partnership with UBC’s Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining (BRIMM). The initiative aims to accelerate the translation of biological research into real-world mining applications.

Dr. John Steen of BRIMM described the institute as a connector between academia and industry, bringing together interdisciplinary expertise to address complex mining challenges. He pointed to growing industry confidence in biotechnology, including collaborations with major mining companies. Kyle McCall of the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) reinforced the importance of bridging gaps between innovation and deployment, noting the need for funding, partnerships, and early adopters to scale new technologies.

A panel discussion explored innovation across the mining lifecycle. Dr. Rachel Simister highlighted how advances in genomics enable microbes to support both mineral exploration and extraction, acting as indicators of buried deposits and enabling lower-impact processing methods. However, she noted challenges in scaling these technologies and securing investment. McCall added that mining innovation faces unique barriers due to high capital costs and long timelines, but also presents an opportunity for Canada to lead globally.

From an operator’s perspective, Amanda Wamsteeker emphasized that innovation often comes through incremental improvements that enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental performance. Riannon Ball underscored the importance of Indigenous leadership and consent-based decision-making, framing innovation as not only technological but also relational and governance-based.

Technical presentations reinforced these themes. Dr. Steven Hallam discussed advances in genomics and data analytics that enable tailored microbial solutions for mining challenges. He highlighted the Mining Microbiome Analytics Platform (M-MAP), which uses large-scale data to identify effective microbes for applications such as bioleaching, improving metal recovery while reducing environmental impact.

Dr. Rachel Simister further demonstrated how microbes can add value across the mining lifecycle—from acting as “geological sensors” in exploration to enabling lower-energy extraction processes. She emphasized that these approaches are grounded in natural biological systems now made actionable through modern genomic tools.

Professor Caren Helbing introduced environmental DNA (eDNA) as a powerful, non-invasive tool for monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem health. eDNA can enhance baseline studies, track environmental changes, and support regulatory compliance, complementing traditional monitoring methods when applied with rigorous standards.

Finally, Dr. Jonathan Dennis highlighted opportunities for genomics in Atlantic Canada, where critical minerals, environmental challenges, and strong Indigenous stewardship create a unique context for innovation. He emphasized the need for regional collaboration, Indigenous data sovereignty, and targeted investment to build a robust genomics-enabled mining ecosystem.

Overall, the session underscored that the future of mining innovation lies in integrating biological science with industry needs, supported by strong partnerships across research, industry, and Indigenous communities.