Researchers in Sudbury, Ontario, are involved in the advancement of bacteria-powered technology to extract valuable metals from old mining waste on a larger scale. MIRARCO Mining Innovation’s pilot facility is currently testing the use of microbes to break down mine tailings, which are the leftover rocks and sediments from mining activities. This process, known as bioleaching, aims to release crucial minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper.
While bioleaching technology is well-established globally, with around 30 mine sites utilizing it, Canada has not yet fully implemented this technology on a commercial scale, as stated by Nadia Mykytczuk, CEO of MIRARCO, the research branch of Laurentian University. Mykytczuk, among others, provided insights to CBC during a recent tour of the 10,000-square-foot pilot facility in Sudbury to showcase the bioleaching process.
The pilot facility has been operational since May, with years of preparation leading up to this point. Mykytczuk emphasized the abundance of tailings in Sudbury, containing an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion worth of nickel alone, making them a valuable resource for extraction.
Despite the potential value in reprocessing the tailings, companies have refrained from investing due to the high costs associated with transporting the materials back to smelters. Currently, these tailings are typically stored in large ponds, raising concerns about long-term environmental risks.
Jaime Kneen from MiningWatch Canada highlighted the environmental risks associated with storing tailings, such as the potential for acid generation and metal leaching into the surrounding environment. The failure of tailing dams, as seen in the 2014 Mount Polley mine incident in British Columbia, serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences that can occur.
The increasing demand for critical minerals, driven by the need for clean energy technologies and national defense, has prompted both federal and provincial governments to advocate for their development. Mykytczuk sees bioleaching as a dual solution for meeting the demand for critical minerals and addressing mining cleanup efforts.
Bioleaching involves grinding down tailings, mixing them with a liquid solution to feed bacteria, which then break down the minerals, allowing the metals to separate and move into the liquid phase. The extracted metals can then be processed further. The research team is focused on scaling up this process for larger mining operations.
The team is also exploring ways to repurpose the waste generated after bioleaching, emphasizing its potential for reuse in construction or as backfill in mining activities. Additionally, they are studying the development of bacteria tailored for specific minerals found in mine waste, aiming to extract valuable elements efficiently and economically.
Moving forward, the team aims to transition from pilot testing to full-scale operations within the next two to three years. With global examples of successful commercial bioleaching operations, Canada is on the brink of establishing its own full-scale bioleaching facilities.
