Metal mobility during carbon mineralization

Sequestration of atmospheric and industrial CO2 through carbonation of reactive waste minerals is a proven method for curbing emissions from the mining sector. Carbonation technologies have also been shown to be effective at reducing potentially toxic metal mobility in alkaline mine wastes. However, the molecular scale mechanisms of metal cycling associated with mineral transformation reactions during carbonation of mine tailings have been poorly constrained. Therefore, we aim to study the mobility of metals (e.g., Li, Fe, Ni) during accelerated carbonation of critical mineral phases {e.g., amorphous Ca-Mg carbonate, brucite [Mg(OH)2]}. To achieve this, the two interns, Avni Patel and Colton Vessey, will conduct experiments at the CNRS (Toulouse, France) using advanced techniques and methods (i.e., ?7Li and ?57Fe isotope analysis, and in situ Raman spectroscopy). This research will assist in understanding metal mobility within mine wastes and natural systems, and will support continued development of safe carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) methods.

Faculty Supervisor:

Siobhan Sasha Wilson;Maija Raudsepp

Student:

Partner:

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Achieving Net Zero; Environmental Science and Technology; Mining

University:

University of Alberta

Program: