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Abstract

British Columbia (BC) is at a pivotal juncture in its efforts to expand the critical minerals sector sustainably. It is essential for the province to actively develop innovative and sustainable methods to minimize the impact of mining activities on water, air, land, and biodiversity. Increased pressure from investors is encouraging mining companies to improve their disclosure of environmental impacts and adopt alternate technologies to reduce their ecological footprint. In response to these challenges, genomics has emerged as a promising solution, capable of detecting cryptic biodiversity, providing early indicators of reclamation progress, recovering critical minerals from mine waste, and improving water quality. This paper provides an overview of the current genomics technologies and approaches, including environmental DNA and microbial genomics, that are applied to mine operations, reclamation, and closure efforts. It will include examples from collaborative research and partnerships among academia, industry, Indigenous communities, and government in BC and Canada, supported by Genome BC, Genome Canada, and beyond. Additionally, the paper will discuss the ongoing efforts to develop industry standards for genomics technologies, which are important for ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting the adoption of these solutions in the mining sector. As BC expands its critical mineral sector, it will be important to strike a balance between the economic advantages of mineral resource development and the preservation of the environment for current and future generations. By fostering innovation and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams and sectors, and with support from programs from Genome BC, the province can adopt sustainable mining practices that benefit the well-being of its natural ecosystems and communities.