Genomines

Company Summary
Genomines uses synthetic biology to transform how metals are mined. The company engineers hyperaccumulator plants to extract valuable metals directly from soil. These bio-sourced metals offer a scalable, low-impact alternative to conventional mining. Genomines aims to build the first carbon-negative mining group in the world.
The Problem
The mining industry emits up to 7% of global greenhouse gases and causes severe water and soil pollution. At the same time, demand for metals like nickel is growing rapidly due to electrification. Traditional mining can’t scale fast enough and brings significant environmental and social costs.
The Solution
Genomines enhances naturally occurring hyperaccumulator plants using gene editing. These plants extract metals from low-grade soil at much higher concentrations than normal. After harvest, the metals are recovered using clean techniques like bioleaching and electrolysis. This process unlocks metal reserves previously considered unusable—without the footprint of mining.
Funding
In September 2025, Genomines raised a $45M Series A led by Engine Ventures and Forbion BioEconomy. The company had previously secured $5.2M in a Seed round led by Lowercarbon Capital and a $2.2M grant from Bpifrance.