CO2 sequestration potential of the igneous rocks found at the Turnagain Nickel Project, BC; The possibility of CO2 emission neutral mining?

Recent breakthroughs in carbon sequestration research have shown that mineral carbonation is a realistically feasible practice that may have the potential to sequester large amounts of CO2 in stable carbonate minerals. This research aims to generate sequestration potential (SP) values for the igneous rocks found at the Turnagain Nickel Prospect, northern BC. In order to achieve this, drill core at the site will be laboratory tested to generate SP values. These values will then be analyzed using a geological modeling software package to assess how these values behave geostatistically. Once a model is generated, the values will be added to the ore/waste model already developed for the prospect expanding the mineable block model. This will allow the incorporation of potentially sequestering rock to be included within the mine plan and improve mine]pit optimization with the potential to lower the overall grade for feasibility. Such a model will potentially adapt the existing mine plan to incorporate previously considered waste rock as a valuable resource, creating a unique opportunity, to sequester generated CO2 and possibly even become a net CO2 sequester. The first of its kind globally, targeting advances in mining diversity to counteract global climate change issues.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Michael Hitch

Student:

Anthony Jacobs

Partner:

Hard creek Nickel Corporation

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining and quarrying

University:

University of British Columbia