The launch of a new piloting facility marks the first step toward establishing Sudbury’s long-talked-about Centre for Mine Waste Biotechnology.
MIRARCO, the Mining Innovation Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation, debuted the facility during a private reception on Oct. 16.
It will serve as a hub for applied research in bioleaching and bioprocessing, where researchers can develop and test new technologies and fast-track them toward commercialization.
“With this new piloting facility, MIRARCO is helping shape the next era of mining innovation — one focused on clean technology, critical minerals, and training the workforce of tomorrow,” Nadia Mykytcuzk, president and CEO of MIRARCO, said in a news release.
“This space connects research, industry, and community partners to deliver real solutions that will drive sustainable growth across the North and beyond.”
The release did not indicate the location of the facility.
Mykytczuk, whose research focuses on bioremediation, has been the driving force behind the Centre for Mine Waste Biotechnology.
Her work centres on bioleaching, the process of using naturally occurring microbes to extract minerals from mine tailings.
It’s considered a more environmentally friendly and efficient way to pull out valuable minerals left over in mine waste after the primary processing has been done.
There’s an estimated $10 billion worth of these remaining minerals to be extracted just from Sudbury-area mine tailings alone.
The release said the facility is opening at a “pivotal moment” in the Canadian mining industry, as pressure rises around strengthening the critical minerals supply chain.
Gord Gilpin, Vale Base Metals’ director of Ontario operations, lauded the facility, calling MIRARCO a “longstanding partner in innovation.”
“This new facility represents a bold step forward in our shared commitment to sustainable mining and circular economy solutions,” Gilpin said.
“Together, we are transforming mine waste into opportunity — advancing technologies that not only recover critical minerals but also reduce environmental impact for future generations.”
In a simultaneous announcement, MIRARCO said it had struck a memorandum of understanding with Taighwenini Technical Services Corporation, the economic development arm of Wahnapitae First Nation.
MIRARCO said the partnership will enable the two parties to collaborate on the commercialization of biomining and bioremediation technologies; youth training programs in mineral processing, microbiology, chemistry, automation, and process control; and industrial demonstration projects focused on reclaiming legacy mine tailings.
Funding from multiple contributors has been put toward the facility, including the NOHFC, CanmetMINING, Cambrian College, and the City of Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC).