Geomechanics Research
Mine Waste Biotechnology
Accelerating the commercialization of genomics-based
bioremediation and bioleaching technologies.
Geomechanics Research
Geomechanics Research
Geomechanics Research
Focuses on geohazard assessment and the mitigation of
unpredictable rock behavior associated with deep underground mining.
Geomechanics Research
Software
Decision Support Software
Developing the next generation of software for mining
with an emphasis on modelling and optimization.
Software
Sustainable Energy Solutions
Sustainable Energy Solutions
Research focused on low carbon energy solutions for mine operations.
Sustainable Energy Solutions
Safety Research
Safety Research & Training
Addresses issues related to Safety and Risk Management in the mining industry.
Safety Research

Welcome to MIRARCO

Our talented academic and industry professionals offer their expertise to solve mining industry challenges through applied research. Our team finds innovative solutions by focusing on five core research domains: Biotechnology, Geomechanics, Safety, Software, and Energy. 

On June 10, 2024, it was announced that MIRARCO was the recipient of a $5 million grant from Natural Resources Canada.

This grant will help support the critical mineral sector by enhancing the technological readiness for extracting battery metals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper from mine tailings in the Greater Sudbury area and support sustainable mining. MIRARCO is dedicated to providing these groundbreaking solutions and educating the next generation to support Canada in achieving a prosperous and sustainable low-carbon future.

MIRARCO has launched a new “Deformation-Based Support Design & Rockburst Hazard Assessment” short course created especially for mining industry professionals. To learn more about the value it can bring to your compan.

News Magazine articles

Evolution of MIRARCO: Pioneering mining innovation from geomechanics research

The Geomechanics Research Centre (GRC), where R&D plays a critical role in advancing the understanding of geomechanical challenges in mining...
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Evolution of MIRARCO: Pioneering mining innovation from geomechanics research
News News Release

On June 10, 2024, it was announced that MIRARCO was the recipient of a $5 million grant from Natural Resources Canada.

This grant will help support the critical mineral sector by enhancing the technological readiness for extracting battery metals such as...
Read More
On June 10, 2024, it was announced that MIRARCO was the recipient of a $5 million grant from Natural Resources Canada.
News News Release

Government of Canada Announces $10 Million to Support Critical Minerals Mining in Northern Ontario

Sudbury (Ontario),  Natural Resources Canada – Critical minerals present a once-in-a-generation chance for Canada to drive historic economic growth, create...
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Government of Canada Announces $10 Million to Support Critical Minerals Mining in Northern Ontario
News Magazine articles

Advancing innovation for sustainable mining and mineral processing

As MIRARCO commemorates a quarter-century of groundbreaking advancements, this article delves into their pioneering efforts in sustainable mining, blending academic...
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Advancing innovation for sustainable mining and mineral processing
News

The Future of Mining Might Be Smaller than You Think

As the world’s demand for metals continues to rise, some are using microorganisms to mine and “clean” waste.When Nadia Mykytczuk...
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The Future of Mining Might Be Smaller than You Think
News

Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk Appointed Technical Advisor to Renforth’s Surimeau Battery Metals Project

• Dr. Mykytczuk's expertise includes bio-mining/bioleaching and bioremediation of mine sites, relevant to Renforth's large-scale, low-grade surface battery metals (Ni,...
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Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk Appointed Technical Advisor to Renforth’s Surimeau Battery Metals Project
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Latest Projects

Bioleaching of tailings for recovery of battery metals
Natural Heat Exchange Engineering Technology (NHEET) for Mines
MoFrac - A software package developed at MIRARCO

MIRARCO receives grant from MICA network to support tailings bioleaching. MIRARCO's project will focus on one of three bioleaching processes to extract battery metals, Nickel and and Cobalt, from pyrrhotite tailings. The funding received will be used to support the recruitment of personnel, infrastructure developments, and piloting of the BacTech process using pyrrhotite tailings from Vale.

MIRARCO’s Natural Heat Exchange Engineering Technology (NHEET) project aims to leverage previous collaborative research between MIRARCO and Vale on the natural heat exchange system at Vale’s Creighton Mine to determine how the benefits of this system can be replicated at other mine sites.

MoFrac that generates 3D fracture network models for rock mass characterization.
Driven by the need for safer and more efficient geotechnical design, MoFrac implements methods developed by R. Mohan Srivastava to create DFNs well-suited to both civil and mining applications.

There are many advantages to partnering with MIRARCO:

By becoming our industry partner, you gain a non-competitive collaborative platform for new projects. We are adaptable and responsive to all your industry needs.