Novel strategies for CO2 utilization and storage in mineral processing**

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Mineral carbon storage (MCS) is a type of carbon sequestration where carbon dioxide is reacted with alkaline minerals to form solid carbonates. Although MCS has advantages compared to other carbon storage techniques, it requires large quantities of mineral feedstock. The acquisition of this mineral feedstock through mining can have a large environmental footprint. Mineral processing wastes are an alternative source of MCS feedstock which are already mined and finely ground. In this project, we propose to develop an integrated process to simultaneously store carbon dioxide, improve the efficiency of mineral processing operations, enhance tailings stability and eliminate waste. Specifically, we plan to investigate (1) the impact of active mineral carbonation on the flotation of ultramafic nickel ores, (2) explore the use of CO2 as a flotation gas to precipitate magnesium and calcium ions and condition process water while simultaneously storing carbon, (3) study the use of mineral carbonation to generate cementitious materials in ultramafic nickel tailings to enhance tailings management by dry-stack, and (4) examine the potential for mineral carbonation to transform ultramafic tailings into valuable commodities and eliminate the production of waste materials. If successful, new technologies will be developed that not only increase the sustainability of mining and mineral processing operations, but also generate new streams of revenue through the storage of carbon and sale of new products, and could make previously uneconomic mining operations feasible. These outcomes are important for Canadian mining companies, who urgently need to develop new technologies to process low-grade ores and manage tailings, as well as for Canadians in general who benefit from employment in the mining sector. Additional benefits include climate change mitigation and reduced impacts of mining and mineral processing on lands and water.******