Carbon Sequestration in Mineralogy: Potential of Ultramafic Rocks for CO₂ Storage

Year : 2025 | Volume : 02 | Issue : 01 | Page : 30 35
    By

    Sunidhi Rajput,

  1. Student, Sir Chhotu Ram Institute of Engineering & Technology, C.C.S University Campus, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The increasing concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) due to anthropogenic activities has necessitated the development of effective carbon sequestration strategies. Mineral carbonation, particularly utilizing ultramafic rocks, has emerged as a promising approach for long-term CO₂ storage. This review explores the potential of ultramafic rocks in sequestering CO₂, discussing their mineral composition, reaction mechanisms, advantages, and challenges associated with their utilization in carbon capture and storage (CCS). Additionally, advancements in enhancing mineral carbonation efficiency, including pre-treatment techniques and microbial-assisted sequestration, are examined. The use of ultramafic rocks offers a natural and permanent solution for CO₂ mitigation, with significant implications for climate change mitigation. The ability of these rocks to form stable carbonate minerals upon reacting with CO₂ makes them a reliable option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, improving reaction rates and addressing energy and economic constraints remain key research areas. Furthermore, understanding the geological distribution of ultramafic rocks and integrating their use with industrial processes can enhance their practical applicability. In order to speed up carbonation, it is crucial to optimize reaction conditions and investigate novel catalysts, as demonstrated by recent developments in laboratory and field tests. The incorporation of microbial and enzymatic processes further presents a novel avenue for enhancing CO₂ sequestration efficiency. This review emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research to bridge gaps between geology, chemistry, and engineering to maximize the effectiveness of mineral carbonation. Future efforts should focus on pilot-scale projects, life cycle assessments, and policy frameworks to ensure the sustainable implementation of this technology. Overall, ultramafic rock-based carbon sequestration presents a viable and durable strategy for combating global carbon emissions while contributing to the advancement of CCS technologies.

Keywords: Mineral carbonation, ultramafic rocks, carbon dioxide sequestration, geological CO₂ storage, carbon mineralization, climate change mitigation

[This article belongs to International Journal of Minerals ]

How to cite this article:
Sunidhi Rajput. Carbon Sequestration in Mineralogy: Potential of Ultramafic Rocks for CO₂ Storage. International Journal of Minerals. 2025; 02(01):30-35.
How to cite this URL:
Sunidhi Rajput. Carbon Sequestration in Mineralogy: Potential of Ultramafic Rocks for CO₂ Storage. International Journal of Minerals. 2025; 02(01):30-35. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijmi/article=2025/view=200646


References

  1. Lackner KS, Wendt CH, Butt DP, Joyce Jr EL, Sharp DH. Carbon dioxide disposal in carbonate minerals. Energy. 1995 Jan 1;20(11):1153–70.
  2. Harrison AL, Dipple GM, Power IM, Mayer KU. Influence of surface passivation and water content on mineral reactions in unsaturated porous media: Implications for brucite carbonation and CO2 Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 2015 Jan 1;148:477–95.
  3. Gislason SR, Oelkers EH. Carbon storage in basalt. Science. 2014 Apr 25;344(6182):373–4.
  4. Kelemen PB, Matter J. In situ carbonation of peridotite for CO2 storage. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2008 Nov 11;105(45):17295–300.
  5. Sanna A, Uibu M, Caramanna G, Kuusik R, Maroto-Valer MM. A review of mineral carbonation technologies to sequester CO2. Chemical Society Reviews. 2014;43(23):8049–80.
  6. Maroto-Valer MM, Fauth DJ, Kuchta ME, Zhang Y, Andrésen JM. Activation of magnesium rich minerals as carbonation feedstock materials for CO2 Fuel Processing Technology. 2005 Oct 1;86(14–15):1627–45.
  7. Reddy KR, Gopakumar A, Chetri JK. Critical review of applications of iron and steel slags for carbon sequestration and environmental remediation. Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology. 2019 Mar 15;18:127–52.
  8. McQueen N, Kelemen P, Dipple G, Renforth P, Wilcox J. Ambient weathering of magnesium oxide for CO2 removal from air. Nature Communications. 2020 Jul 3;11(1):3299.
  9. Renforth P, Washbourne CL, Taylder J, Manning DA. Silicate production and availability for mineral carbonation.
  10. Park AH, Fan LS. CO2 mineral sequestration: physically activated dissolution of serpentine and pH swing process. Chemical engineering science. 2004 Nov 1;59(22–23):5241–7.
  11. Turri L, Gérardin K, Muhr H, Lapicque F, Saravia A, Szenknect S, Mesbah A, Mastretta R, Dacheux N, Meyer D, Cloteaux A. CO2 sequestration by carbonation of olivine: a new process for optimal separation of the solids produced. Green Processing and Synthesis. 2019 Jan 28;8(1):480–7.
  12. Flaathen TK. Water-rock interaction during CO2 sequestration in basalt (Doctoral dissertation, Université Paul Sabatier-Toulouse III).
  13. Harrison AL, Power IM, Dipple GM. Accelerated carbonation of brucite in mine tailings for carbon sequestration. Environmental science & technology. 2013 Jan 2;47(1):126–34.
  14. Bobicki ER, Liu Q, Xu Z, Zeng H. Carbon capture and storage using alkaline industrial wastes. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science. 2012 Apr 1;38(2):302–20.
Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 02
Issue 01
Received 03/02/2025
Accepted 12/02/2025
Published 15/02/2025
Publication Time 12 Days
210


My IP

PlumX Metrics