Backed by funding from the DIGITAL Supercluster and the Government of Canada, Koonkie is building a first-of-its-kind platform to integrate environmental DNA (eDNA) analytics, soil health data, and remote sensing with Indigenous ecological knowledge. For mine operators, this integrated approach delivers the potential for shortened timelines and reduced costs to reach site reclamation goals.

Mine sites are naturally home to millions of microbes, some of which are primed to efficiently perform specific functions such as leaching copper, or suppressing dust under local conditions. Koonkie profiled hundreds of mine site samples at a Rio Tinto copper mine, and found 33 microbial candidates that exhibited promise for further biotechnological development in biomining and dust suppression. Read the case study here.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is transforming biodiversity monitoring by detecting genetic material shed into the environment by plants, wildlife, fish, insects, and microbes. Collected from water, soil, or air, testing DNA can provide a snapshot of nearly all living species in the ecosystem.

Bioming (or bioleaching) is an established, eco-friendly approach to metal extraction that uses naturally occurring microbes. Instead of relying on energy-intensive smelting or harsh chemicals, biomining harnesses the power of bacteria to break down rock and release metals like copper, gold, nickel, and rare earth elements.

Sensitive to change, microbial communities are the earliest indicators of the effectiveness of remediation efforts at reclaimed mine sites.

Biocement made by microbes can solidify and stabilize tailings—an environmentally friendly, cost effective, and durable solution to a major mining challenge.