As the world joyfully embraces the transition to battery-powered electric vehicles, there is a wonderful opportunity to rethink how we obtain the essential materials for this exciting new era. The rising demand for nickel, a critical element in electric vehicle batteries, has brought to light some important challenges related to human rights and environmental impacts, particularly in mining regions like Indonesia and the Philippines.
The traditional methods of nickel mining have often led to deforestation, water contamination, and conflicts among local communities. However, a bright solution has emerged from the innovative minds at Genomines, a startup dedicated to a more sustainable approach.
Instead of relying on the conventional and often hazardous techniques of mining, Genomines has turned to nature’s own resources. They harness the incredible capabilities of hyperaccumulator daisies to extract nickel from the soil. This method, known as phytomining, allows these remarkable plants to absorb metal through their roots, storing significant amounts of nickel in their stems and leaves.
Genomines has even taken this a step further by employing gene editing to create a larger version of this daisy, which can absorb twice as much nickel as its predecessors. Fabien Koutchekian, the co-founder and CEO, emphasizes the importance of this innovation, stating, “It’s important because we need a lot of metal, especially for the energy transition in batteries in electric vehicles.” Nickel's versatility extends beyond batteries, as it is also crucial in the production of stainless steel and infrastructure.
According to Genomines, achieving the ambitious goals set by the Paris Agreement for electric vehicles by 2040 will require a substantial increase in global metal output—six times today's levels. Traditional extraction methods pose significant risks to the environment and exacerbate the human rights challenges faced by communities involved in mining. Veronica Cabe, Chair of Amnesty International Philippines, has highlighted the burdens placed on Indigenous Peoples and rural communities by the global demand for energy transition minerals.
Fortunately, with the advent of these high-absorbing daisies, we can navigate around these issues. Recently, Genomines successfully raised $45 million in a Series A funding round to expand its efforts in sustainable nickel extraction from soil.
Currently operating from a pilot site in South Africa, Genomines has identified an ideal location for phytomining. This site is rich in nickel and unsuitable for traditional farming, making it perfect for their daisy crop, which flourishes in just four to six months. After harvesting, the plants are dried and processed into battery-grade nickel oxide.
Koutchekian explains that these plants possess a unique ability to concentrate metals, achieving nearly 7.6% nickel content within their biomass. This method is not only more cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. Unlike conventional mining, which requires extensive land and infrastructure, the agricultural approach minimizes land use and can be operational within one to two years. Moreover, as the daisies grow, they capture carbon, making the entire process carbon neutral and enriching the soil instead of degrading it.
The financial benefits are equally impressive. Genomines anticipates producing nickel oxide at a cost of approximately $10,000 per ton, significantly lower than the industry median of $16,000 per ton. With ongoing advancements in genetic engineering, Genomines aims to scale up nickel production to meet rising demand without compromising the health of people or the planet.
With an estimated 30 to 40 million hectares of land globally suitable for phytomining, Genomines believes they could produce 7 to 14 times more nickel than traditional mining does today. Koutchekian passionately shares their mission: “Our mission is to harness plant biotechnology to extract resources essential for clean energy technology via scalable processes that preserve biodiversity, soil health, and human well-being.”
Their vision is equally inspiring: to create an entirely new industry focused on plant-based metals that will rebalance global mineral supply chains for years to come. This innovative approach not only highlights the beauty of nature’s potential but also champions a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
