Abstract
While most work on CO2 reduction is on carbon capture, permanent storage of carbon dioxide in the next decade is critical to fight climate change. Carbon sequestration in minerals the most practical solution for permanent CO2 sequestration. Carbon sequestering minerals are processed for base metals by ultramafic mines. Passive carbonation of these minerals in a tailings storage facility is a virtually cost-free method of permanent CO2 sequestration. Until now, mine operators have not had the tools for managing their TSFs for maximum carbon storage. Recent work by CNC and Queen’s U has shown how optimizing the TSF can substantially improve carbon storage. The key drivers for CO2 storage have been studied experimentally and extended to tailings deposition through a multi-variable model. The implications of this work will be presented.