🔬Research StageCarbon Management • Carbon Removal

Enhanced Weathering

Accelerated natural carbon mineralization using crushed silicate minerals that could sequester gigatons of CO₂ annually. Olivine mineral weathering permanently removes atmospheric CO₂ through natural chemical reactions.

How It Works

Enhanced weathering accelerates natural rock weathering processes by spreading crushed silicate minerals like olivine on agricultural lands or coastal areas. Chemical reactions between CO₂, water, and minerals form stable carbonates that permanently sequester carbon. Process mimics natural weathering but occurs over years instead of millennia through increased surface area and optimal conditions.

Advantages

Could sequester gigatons of CO₂ annually at scale. Permanent carbon removal through stable mineral carbonates. Uses abundant natural materials like olivine rock. Can improve soil pH and provide agricultural co-benefits. Scalable to massive deployment areas globally.

Challenges

Research technologies face 10-20 year commercialization timelines . Massive material transportation and distribution requirements. Environmental impact assessments needed for large-scale deployment. Breakthrough technologies require sustained funding for commercial deployment . Monitoring and verification challenges for carbon accounting.