Carbon dioxide mineralization using Newfoundland's ultramafic rocks

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Global temperatures are rising, in part, due to anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. CO2 reductions are necessary to meet the goals set by Paris Climate Accord. Governments have introduced cap and trade systems, and carbon taxation as CO2 reduction incentives, effectively making CO2 a commodity. Therefore, Canada needs new technologies to remove CO2 from the atmosphere for our environment and our economy. We propose to study the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by converting it into long-term storage - carbonate rock. This process is known as CO2 mineralization and it already happens naturally in some igneous rocks, at sites of serpentinization, and in some mine tailings. Canada has many locations that have the potential to sequester CO2 through CO2 mineralization. We propose to start our investigations in the Canadian province of Newfoundland. Newfoundland has the geologic, geographic, and climatic conditions necessary for prolonged CO2 mineralization including ultramafic rocks, geologic stability, access to water, and a wet and windy climate. The objectives of this proposal are to 1) investigate CO2 sequestration within the Bay of Island Ophiolite Complex, and White Hills just outside of St. Anthony; 2) use rock samples from these sites in laboratory CO2 mineralization experiments to determine reactions and optimal conditions for rapid CO2 sequestration through CO2 mineralization. The new knowledge gained about CO2 mineralization will be transferrable to Canadian industry involved in carbon cap and trade or those wanting to reduce the amount they pay in carbon tax.