Mine Waste Biotechnology
Innovative solutions
Transform mine waste from environmental hazard to
economic opportunity through
economically sustainable mine waste
strategies
Overview
The Centre for Mine Waste Biotechnology will be a pilot-scale facility equipped with tools and expertise to accelerate the commercialization of genomics-based bioremediation and bioleaching technologies.
Located in proximity to active mines in Sudbury, Ontario, the Centre will provide a development and testing site where large samples of waste materials can be brought for pre-processing and treatment.
The Centre will respond to the urgent need for innovative solutions that transform mine waste from environmental hazard to economic opportunity through economically sustainable mine waste strategies.
Read more about Advancing innovation for sustainable mining and mineral processing.
Nadia Mykytczuk is the Innovation Award winner (NOBA 2022)
Sudbury is ready to play a leading part in the global story about electric vehicles (EV).
As auto manufacturers lock up supply chains, and countries position themselves as viable trading partners, the Nickel City has the resources and necessary tools to transition into a hub for EV technology.
Our Focus
The Centre will accelerate the development, commercialization, and regulatory uptake of alternative green technologies in mine waste treatment by providing crucial infrastructure and expertise in three critical areas:
- Process and scale-up from bench to pilot
- Commercialization, de-risking, adoption, and implementation
- Highly-qualified personnel (HQP) training.
Mission
With pilot-scale facilities and world-class expertise, the Centre develops biotechnologies for use in real-world sites to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of mining and related sectors.
Vision
The Centre is a catalyst for transforming bench mine waste biotechnologies into commercial applications.
Target Processes and Outputs
Research Lens
Interdisciplinary techniques from mineralogy, hydrometallurgy, process design and engineering, microbiology and biochemistry, genomics and bioinformatics and multivariate analysis
Commercialization Lens
Demonstrating, optimizing and implementing new approaches to transform mining practices
Collaborative Lens
Fostering unique collaborations among a dynamic team of researchers and subject matter experts in multiple academic institutions, research institutes, government agencies, the mining industry, the private sector, and mining innovation ecosystem
Education & Training Lens
Providing training and support for HQP
Attracting top international students, researchers and companies
The Ask
A total capital investment of $38.7 million commencing in 2024 aiming to break ground in late 2024/early 2025.
MIRARCO is seeking support from municipal, provincial, federal, and private sector partners to help build and equip the Centre.
Once constructed, the facility will rapidly begin to generate revenues from its suite of memberships, services, and programs.
The Opportunity
Canada needs critical minerals to support its transition to a low-carbon economy. It also faces significant environmental and financial liabilities associated with traditional mining practices.
Mining biotechnologies (including bioremediation and biobeaching) offer innovative solutions to these challenges.
Membership
Be part of the Centre for Mine Waste Biotechnology, a pilot-scale facility equipped with tools and expertise to accelerate the commercialization of genomics-based bioremediation and bioleaching technologies.
Advancing Mining Innovation Together
Members strengthen the Centre’s ability to bring mining innovations to industry. In return, the Centre provides members with unique to resources, expertise, and commercialization networks.