THE GENOMICS EXCHANGE:
MORNING INSIGHTS AND CONNECTIONS
2026 program
7:30AM |
Doors Open |
8:00AM |
Opening Remarks and Introductions |
8:35AM |
Panel Discussion Moderated by John Steen
Innovation thrives through collaboration, not in isolation. At every level, we seek ideas from colleagues, fueling momentum that leads to new collaborations, partnerships, and successful project launches! What’s the secret to a winning story? In this panel discussion, Dr. John Steen and our expert panellists share their unique journeys in advancing the latest technologies across the critical mineral value chain. They’ll reveal the pivotal moments and key players that transformed discoveries into real-world applications at mine sites. Plus, they’ll offer insights on navigating the Canadian innovation ecosystem, securing funding, and leveraging resources to turn ideas into impactful solutions. |
9:45AM |
Break |
10:00AM |
Technical Session Professor Steven Hallam, Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia; CEO of Koonkie Canada Inc. Copper is a strategically important metal used in renewable energy, electric vehicle, and consumer device production among other applications. New high quality Cu deposits are rare, hard to find, and expensive to develop, creating an annual supply gap expected to reach 9.7 million tonnes by 2030. At the same time, mine waste streams, including tailings and Mine-Influenced Waters, contain more than 43 million tonnes of Cu that if harvested correctly, could offset the supply gap while reducing environmental impacts. Microbial solutions show promise in copper recovery. However, applying these solutions at scale is hampered by a lack of knowledge about the microbial communities inhabiting mine sites and waste streams, such as their community structure, function, and dynamics. Here I describe a knowledge translation path that focuses on integrating discovery and use inspired research in support of the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials Copper Challenge and beyond. |
10:30AM |
Technical Session Dr. Rachel Simister, CEO and co-founder, Brokkr Minerals Resource Corp.; co-founder, Discovery Genomics Ltd. Discover how microorganisms are transforming resource exploration, extraction, and environmental remediation. This talk gives examples of how microbial processes are being harnessed to sustainably utilize natural resources, reduce environmental impacts, and explore nature-based solutions for processing strategic metals and managing complex ore bodies. |
11:00AM |
Technical Session Professor Caren Helbing, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection is transforming environmental monitoring and assessments worldwide. It has the unprecedented ability for rapid, accurate evaluations of cryptic or difficult to survey species and the power to uncover regional biodiversity. This presentation will demystify eDNA methods and show how the measurement of genetic material in environmental samples such as water, soil, sediment, and air can be applied to mine operations. |
11:30AM |
Technical Session Dr. Jonathan Dennis, Co-Founder & Principal Consultant at Selenide Consulting This talk will present key insights from Genome Atlantic’s Genomics in Mining Sector Intelligence report, highlighting key opportunities for applying genomics to mining challenges in Atlantic Canada. It will situate these opportunities within the region’s rich and diverse mineral endowment—covering most of Canada’s critical minerals—and the emerging Critical Minerals strategies of Atlantic provinces. The presentation will focus on how organizations such as Genome Atlantic can help de-risk genomics adoption by supporting partnerships between Atlantic Canada research organizations and mining proponents. Real-world case studies and cost–benefit considerations will be emphasized as essential tools for overcoming skepticism and enabling scale-up and implementation in industry. |
11:45AM |
Closing and Networking |