GenomeBC

Genomics and biotechnology are essential to a clean energy future.

Copper is crucial to the transition from fossil fuels to an electrified economy. Global demand for this element is increasing. Extracting this resource is a complex, energy-intensive process with high environmental and carbon costs.

In a new Genome BC-funded project, Dr. Rachel Simister, Dr. Sean Crowe and their team at Brokkr Mineral Resources are advancing an innovation that “lets bacteria do the mineral processing” through genomics-driven identification of the best microbes to extract copper from ores common in British Columbia.

Their technology will enable:
💫 Scalable, nature-based copper extraction from sulfide deposits that cannot be processed 💫 Efficiently using conventional mineral processing methods
💫 A more efficient, economically and environmentally responsible way to extract metals

British Columbia is Canada’s largest producer of copper, and even small improvements in extraction efficiency at medium-sized copper mines can be worth millions of dollars each year. Innovations like this not only strengthen Canada’s critical minerals supply chain, but also reinforce British Columbia’s leadership in genomics innovation and critical minerals technology development.

Last week, our Chief Operating Officer and VP, Public Affairs, Sally Greenwood, and Manager of Professional Education and Implementation, Erin DeBruin, attended the Global Genomics Education and Training Summit in Bogotá, Colombia.

The summit brought together leaders in genomics education and training from more than 35 countries to share ideas, foster collaboration and explore the future of genomics learning and implementation.

The conversations highlighted the important role genomics education plays in supporting the adoption of genomics into clinical practice, as well as the opportunity for continued global collaboration and knowledge sharing. We’re especially grateful to the hosts and partners across Latin America for sharing their leadership and innovation in this space.
We look forward to continuing these conversations as part of the Global Genomics Network (GGNET).