The University of British Columbia

Integrative approach to global challenges

UBC is home to many world-class research centres and institutes, fostering collaboration between researchers within and across disciplines, and supporting partnerships with universities, industry, government and communities worldwide.

In mining and minerals processing innovation at UBC this interdisciplinary and cross-sector approach integrates technical, social, economic and legal lenses. Researchers in earth sciences, mining engineering, materials processing, clean energy public policy, and advanced computing and automation collaborate in a network that includes:

• Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU) — An industry-focused research group advancing exploration practices with the world’s leading mining companies. With over 30 years of research, MDRU has the distinction of being Canada’s oldest research institute exclusively funded by industry.
• Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining (BRIMM) — BRIMM shapes multidisciplinary teams to find solutions to the biggest challenges facing the mining industry, with expertise in mine energy systems, water stewardship, mining microbiome, and natural capital and biodiversity.
• Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) — With more than 100 academic and industrial members, MMRI researchers are world leaders in hydrometallurgy, advanced metal processing, circular economy and composites research.
• Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) – Based in the social sciences, IRES includes research programs for the twenty-first-century resources sector including: economic circularity, human behavior and the environment, energy and infrastructure, governance, law and justice.

Reimagining mining for a net-zero future

Physically located within a resource-rich natural environment on the Pacific Rim, British Columbia is a global mining hub, hosting 800+ companies supporting mineral exploration, and many organizations working towards responsible mineral resource utilization. The Canadian mining ecosystem and the breadth of relationships held by UBC provides collaborating researchers with access to the world’s most advanced carbon-neutral mining and smelting operations for technology de-risking, system integration and demonstration projects.

Reconciliation for equitable resource development

The journey towards meaningful reconciliation is not easy, and this important work represents an authentic and prolonged commitment. Much of British Columbia — including our campuses — are on unceded Indigenous land. UBC was the first North American university committed to implementing the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and we strive toward building meaningful, reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Locally integrated and globally connected

UBC has always been a place of community engagement. Global perspective is embedded in the histories and communities that have shaped the local context in British Columbia and at UBC. The balance of Canadian perspective and geographic diversity across our student population is a tremendous strength. UBC’s work in community-engaged research, learning and public service sets us apart and our global networks open new vistas for research and education.

“This type of transdisciplinary work should almost be a requirement. It challenges your worldview and enriches your ability to have impact — because everything is connected in a way that wasn’t possible before.” 

Prof Walter Mérida
Associate Dean of Research
The University of British Columbia