What's Happening?
Arca, a carbon sequestration company, has developed technologies to commercialize mine waste as a permanent carbon credit offering. The company, based in Vancouver, Canada, has been researching industrial-scale carbon mineralization in mine tailings for over 20 years. Arca's approach involves three key technologies: monitoring, reporting, and verification solutions to track carbon flux; 'smart churning' using amphibious rovers to expose unmineralized tailings; and mineral activation using microwaves to break down mineral structures. These methods aim to accelerate the natural process of carbon mineralization, permanently removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Arca's head of external affairs, Sean Lowrie, highlights the potential of legacy mine waste to generate $1.3 trillion in carbon credits, with the possibility of quadrupling this figure by including all historical alkaline waste streams.
Why It's Important?
The development of Arca's carbon credit program represents a significant opportunity for the mining industry to contribute to climate change mitigation. By transforming mine waste into a valuable resource for carbon sequestration, mining companies can generate substantial revenue while addressing environmental concerns. This initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and offers a pathway for industries to achieve carbon neutrality or even carbon negativity. The program also addresses social license to operate, as communities and indigenous groups may support mining operations that contribute positively to the climate crisis. Furthermore, the demand for carbon credits is growing, with major corporations like Microsoft and Airbus already purchasing credits to meet their net-zero commitments.
What's Next?
Arca plans to expand its carbon credit program by developing projects in Canada and Australia, building on the success of its demonstration project at BHP's Mount Keith mine in Western Australia. The company aims to scale up its operations and integrate its technologies into active mining sites. The next steps involve further research and development of the mineral activation technology, which is expected to be ready for deployment in about a year. Arca is also working on creating a prototype flow through a mineral reactor to fit into mining circuits or post-circuit tailings. As the demand for carbon credits increases, Arca's program could become a mainstream solution for carbon sequestration in the mining industry.
Beyond the Headlines
Arca's approach to carbon sequestration through industrial mineralization offers a permanent solution to CO₂ removal, contrasting with other methods like direct air capture or afforestation. The durability of the removals, lasting thousands of years, provides a high-quality option for carbon credits. This initiative could lead to the production of carbon-negative commodities, such as nickel, enhancing the environmental credentials of products like electric vehicles. The program also highlights the potential for mining companies to diversify their revenue streams and contribute to sustainable practices, potentially reshaping the industry's role in addressing climate change.
