GenoMines

GenoMines is a biotechnology company that has developed a method for extracting nickel and other metals from the soil using plants, a process known as agromining or phytomining. The company was founded in 2021 by CEO Fabien Koutchekian, a mining engineer, and CTO Dr. Dali Rashid, who holds a PhD in plant biotechnology and genetics. The two met through the Entrepreneur First accelerator program. Koutchekian's background in the mining industry and as a second-time entrepreneur, combined with Dr. Rashid's research on hyperaccumulator plants, formed the foundation of the company.

GenoMines' core technology involves using genetically enhanced hyperaccumulator plants, specifically from the daisy family (Asteraceae), to absorb and store high concentrations of metals like nickel from soils. These plants are engineered to be larger and to absorb more metal, a process enhanced by a tailored soil microbiome. This method allows for the extraction of metals from land that has metal concentrations too low for traditional mining but too high for agriculture. The process is presented as a sustainable alternative to conventional mining, which is often slow, carbon-intensive, and environmentally damaging. Genomines can deploy and operationalize a site in 1-2 years, compared to the 12-17 years typical for a traditional mine.

After about six months of growth, the plants are harvested. The metal is then recovered from the biomass using techniques including bioleaching and a patented low-carbon method that involves heating the plant material without oxygen. This process yields battery-grade nickel and other metal precursors. The company states this method produces nickel at a lower cost, with significantly lower emissions, and helps to remediate the soil. The business model focuses on providing a scalable and more environmentally responsible source of critical metals for the clean energy transition, particularly for electric vehicle batteries. Genomines has established proof-of-concept projects and collaborations with automotive companies like Hyundai Motor Group and Jaguar Land Rover.

The Paris-based startup has secured significant funding, including a $45 million Series A round announced in September 2025, co-led by Engine Ventures and Forbion BioEconomy. This funding is intended to scale up operations from laboratory success to industrial deployment, with plans for large-scale field demonstrations. The company aims to operate on thousands of hectares and supply enough nickel for millions of electric vehicles by 2030.

Keywords: phytomining, agromining, nickel extraction, sustainable mining, biotechnology, hyperaccumulator plants, metal recovery, bioremediation, synthetic biology, critical metals, battery materials, clean energy, soil decontamination, bio-based metals, green technology, circular economy, electromobility, low-carbon extraction, bioleaching, plant-based metals