Fizzy ore processing sequesters CO
            <sub>2</sub>
            while supplying critical metals

Wilson, Siobhan A.; Hamilton, Jessica L.

doi:10.1073/pnas.2212424119

Cited by 15 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Enhanced metal recovery can be accomplished by accelerating the dissolution of the host-rock minerals, as this process releases the desired metals (e.g., Ni 2+ and Co 2+ ). 41 However, as described previously, the dissolution of the alkaline silicate minerals is slow. A significant acceleration of silicate dissolution rates would likely be required as part of new ore processing technologies aimed at extracting critical minerals and capturing CO 2 .…”

Section: Ewm Using Mine Wastesmentioning

confidence: 70%

“…35 • Develop technologies that extract critical minerals from ore deposits and sequester CO 2 . 41 Off-site EWM…”

Section: ■ Passive Ewm At Minesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Consequently, it is necessary to reimagine and redesign ore processing and tailings impoundments with EWM in mind. 41 Accelerating EWM must consider mineral reactivity and climate conditions while targeting rate limitations (e.g., mineral dissolution and CO 2 supply). For instance, when the majority of the tailings are composed of recalcitrant silicate minerals and highly reactive minerals are either scarce or absent, enhancing silicate dissolution should be prioritized, as the slow release of cations is the major rate-limiting factor for EWM.…”

Section: Ewm Using Mine Wastesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Mining Industry’s Role in Enhanced Weathering and Mineralization for CO₂ Removal

Power,

Paulo,

Rausis

2023

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Enhanced weathering and mineralization (EWM) aim to remove carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from the atmosphere by accelerating the reaction of this greenhouse gas with alkaline minerals. This suite of geochemical negative emissions technologies has the potential to achieve CO 2 removal rates of >1 gigatonne per year, yet will require gigatonnes of suitable rock. As a supplier of rock powder, the mining industry will be at the epicenter of the global implementation of EWM. Certain alkaline mine wastes sequester CO 2 under conventional mining conditions, which should be quantified across the industry. Furthermore, mines are ideal locations for testing acceleration strategies since tailings impoundments are contained and highly monitored. While some environmentally benign mine wastes may be repurposed for off-site use� reducing costs and risks associated with their storage�numerous new mines will be needed to supply rock powders to reach the gigatonne scale. Large-scale EWM pilots with mining companies are required to progress technology readiness, including carbon verification approaches. With its knowledge of geological formations and ore processing, the mining industry can play an essential role in extracting the most reactive rocks with the greatest CO 2 removal capacities, creating supply chains, and participating in lifecycle assessments. The motivations for mining companies to develop EWM include reputational benefits and carbon offsets needed to achieve carbon neutrality.

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Section: Ewm Using Mine Wastesmentioning

confidence: 70%

“…35 • Develop technologies that extract critical minerals from ore deposits and sequester CO 2 . 41 Off-site EWM…”

Section: ■ Passive Ewm At Minesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Ewm Using Mine Wastesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The Mining Industry’s Role in Enhanced Weathering and Mineralization for CO₂ Removal

Power,

Paulo,

Rausis

2023

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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“…More ore-specific research is needed to improve microbial community selection, predictions of mineral weathering rates, and best practices for large-scale implementation. A benefit of accelerating mineral weathering in historic stockpiles is that tailings at many legacy facilities contain low concentrations of critical minerals, including nickel and cobalt, that were not previously worth extracting [ 10 ]. Bioleaching can recover these metals to help meet increasing global demands.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Emission offsets could be increased through further process optimization to achieve carbon-neutral or potentially carbon-negative mining. These biogeochemical technologies warrant further investigation, given that globally, alkaline and intermediate mine tailings are estimated to have a carbon removal potential of 1 to 5 Gt CO 2 /yr [ 7 , 10 ], a comparable capacity to many of the CDR strategies highlighted by the IPCC. Combining bioleaching, metal recovery, and mineral carbonation of mine tailings gives value to these materials historically deemed industrial “waste.”…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%