Biotechnological solutions for treatment of mining waste

Depletion of high-grade ores is intensifying the energy consumption levels for processing minerals. Pressures from financial stability boards to maintain compliance with task force on climate-related financial disclosures (TCFD) has triggered industries to focus on decarbonization strategies. Moreover, generation and reclamation of staggering amounts of waste from conventional mining practices has been a formidable challenge for industry, government and communities making metal extraction unsustainable. As the fourth wave of innovation drives electrification, metals such as copper, cobalt, manganese and lithium will be key enablers for fabrication of novel materials employed in cleaner technologies such as electric vehicles, solar cells, windmills and hydrogen fuel cells. As innovators within the mining ecosystem, we are harnessing natural chemistries to develop sustainable bioprocesses for remediation of mine waste and extraction of low-grade metals. Our objective is to bring in a carbon negative technology for metal production and waste reduction that will be central to realization of completely electrified society.

Faculty Supervisor:

Vikramaditya Yadav

Student:

Partner:

Tersa Earth Innovations

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: