Mining value from waste through biotechnology

Mine waste and tailings represent both long-term environmental liabilities and untapped sources of critical minerals and materials. This lecture focuses on microbially-driven bioleaching as a transformative approach to recover value from mine waste while advancing zero-waste mining solutions. By leveraging targeted microbial metabolisms, valuable metals can be selectively mobilized from low-grade or legacy materials, reducing toxicity and supporting environmental remediation. The integration of genomics technologies has improved our ability to identify and control microbial catalysts, overcoming previous barriers to large-scale application. A critical focus of this growing field is on piloting and scaling these technologies under real-world conditions to accelerate commercialization and reduce technical and financial risk. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the use of cross-disciplinary approaches combining microbiology, geochemistry, and engineering and see a few use cases that illustrate a viable approach to zero-waste and circular mine waste management. Canada is very well positioned to create economic opportunities from waste while strengthening the domestic supply of critical minerals in alignment with clean energy transition goals.

Designing for impact: Building success through nature-based solutions
(Joint lecture with Lesley Warren)*

Increasing uncertainties underscore the need for a flexible playbook to enable adaption of operations to manage ESG outcomes and improve efficiencies.  Off the shelf solutions are increasingly failing to meet current, and more worryingly, escalating future predicted needs. Transformative solutions that address environmental risks will be key to stakeholder confidence, social licence and regulatory compliance.  Nature based microbial opportunities to de-risk, improve performance and resilience are myriad; however, to date, remain limited in their development and application. In part this reflects the limited number of disruptive researchers with the systems-based design expertise required to drive knowledge outcomes that can address pinch-points, uncertainties or opportunities such as mine waste valorization. As leaders in this space, this masterclass will provide attendees with an understanding of when and how microbes can be central to addressing persistent mine waste and water challenges—and how fit-for-purpose research design enables lasting impact across the mine life cycle through real-world examples and pilot project insights. Development of transformative microbial tools can serve as early diagnostic indicators, enable biogeochemical modelling, and support cost-effective compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.

*Note: The joint lecture is offered only in certain regions. For more information, please contact: professionaldevelopment@cim.org

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