Australian engineering-led knowledgeEvidence · Context · Application

Technical case record · Carbon mineralisation

Mount Keith nickel-tailings carbonation

Weathering of reactive ultramafic tailings forms stable carbonate minerals, with field programmes examining acceleration and verification.

Western Australia, AustraliaField research / pilotPilot evidence

What was developed or tested

Mineralogy, carbonate formation, pore-water chemistry and field flux measurements underpin the work; handling can expose fresh reactive surfaces.

What the evidence supports

A globally significant Australian natural-laboratory case. Passive uptake is observed; the challenge is to increase rate while proving additionality and permanence.

Environmental and technical uncertainty

Mineral storage is potentially durable and may aid stabilisation, but MRV, water chemistry, dust and acceleration energy must be included.

Benefit-case screening lens

Potential value: Durable carbon removal, possible carbon value, improved residue stability and a measurable decarbonisation contribution.

Deployment constraints: Additional uptake, kinetics, measurement and verification, energy, water, land, operating integration and the permanence of storage.

Question before applying elsewhere

Can additional, durable carbon uptake be measured and verified without creating unacceptable energy, water or environmental burdens?

Sources

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