MICA

MICA Main Partner · British Columbia & Yukon

BRIMM

Bradshaw Research Initiative for Minerals and Mining

A multidisciplinary research hub at the University of British Columbia, BRIMM breaks down traditional research silos to generate innovative solutions for the mining and exploration sector—connecting top minds across Mining Engineering, Microbiology, Geology, Business, Policy, and Data Science.

BRIMM – Bradshaw Research Initiative for Minerals and Mining

Founded

2017

Home Institution

University of British Columbia

Research Themes

4 Active Themes

MICA Region

British Columbia & Yukon

About BRIMM

The Bradshaw Research Initiative for Minerals and Mining (BRIMM) was initiated in 2017 at the University of British Columbia—one of the world's top-ranked universities for mining engineering. By working across the UBC campus, BRIMM has access to top minds in Mining Engineering, Microbiology, Geology, Business, Policy, Data Science, and more.

BRIMM's unique cross-disciplinary approach allows it to assemble the perfect team of researchers for the big mining challenges of today. Rather than operating as a single-discipline lab, BRIMM acts as a connector—bridging departments and faculties to form agile, purpose-built research teams for each challenge.

As a key MICA partner, BRIMM serves as the regional hub for British Columbia and the Yukon, connecting innovators, companies, and researchers across the western corridor to the national MICA network.

Role Within MICA

As a Main Partner of the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA), BRIMM plays a pivotal role in supporting the national ecosystem by serving as the regional anchor for British Columbia and the Yukon.

BRIMM works to connect regional mining clusters and cross-sector innovation centres, helping accelerate the commercialization of new technologies and fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government in the region.

  • Regional network development and partnership facilitation
  • Supporting SMEs in BC & Yukon to scale and commercialize
  • Bridging research outputs to market-ready mining solutions
  • Hosting and supporting MICA-funded technical projects

Research Themes

BRIMM has developed four focused research themes to tackle the biggest challenges facing the modern mining industry.

⛏️

Ore-Body Knowledge

Advancing our understanding of ore-body characteristics to improve resource estimation, mine planning, and extraction efficiency through cutting-edge data science and geological expertise.

🔬

Mining Microbiome

Exploring microbial ecosystems in mining environments to develop bio-based solutions for metal recovery, tailings management, and environmental remediation.

Sustainable Mine Energy Systems

Developing innovative energy solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of mining operations, with a focus on renewable integration and energy efficiency.

💧

Water Stewardship

Creating technologies and practices to protect and manage water resources in and around mining sites, ensuring environmental compliance and community trust.

Your MICA Regional Lead

Janice Fingler

Janice Fingler

BRIMM / BC & Yukon Lead

Janice's journey began at age 9 with a science project on steel-making blast furnaces, sparking a lifelong fascination with transformations. As a geoscientist, explorer, and entrepreneur, she thrives in change, now supporting the MICA network and fostering network development, network support and partnership in British Columbia and the Yukon.

With 30 years of experience as a technical expert, project manager, and career coach, Janice has guided teams through global mineral exploration, resulting in six mines across three countries and successful pivots. A scientist who applies complex system theory and agile methods, Janice's experience extends to industry volunteering and memberships in groups like Cynefin Centre, Human Systems Dynamics, and The Flow System, all working for a brighter future.