If you thought that genomics can only be applied to healthcare, you might be surprised to learn that at an Innovation Lunch and Learn hosted by McEwen Mining, Drs. Lesley Warren and Elizabeth Edwards shared some of the ways in which genomics can be applied to the mining industry.
“There are microbes out there that can do wonderful things,” says Elizabeth Edwards [Video] In fact they make up 85% of biomass on Earth, and can help us learn about everything from optimizing bioleaching processes to decontaminating mines.
Metagenomics sampling, microbial communities and bioremediation can all help to address groundwater contamination among other issues in the mining industry. Speaking about the rapid rate of advancement in genomics technologies, Lesley Warren points out that, “The tools are finally at a point where we can apply them readily.” [Video]
To help you learn more about applying genomics to mining, we’ve released the Evaluation of Potential Genomic Applications in the Mining Industry report with SRK Consulting and Genome BC.