Innovative Carbon Sequestration at Crawford Nickel Project
Highlights:
- Canada Nickel teams with the University of Texas at Austin to start a one-month carbon injection pilot at the Crawford Nickel Project.
- This initiative is underpinned by U.S. Department of Energy's ARPA-E program funding.
- The pilot operates independently from the existing IPT Carbonation and NetCarb initiatives by Canada Nickel.
- Supports the creation of a Zero-Carbon Industrial Cluster in the region.
In an exciting development for sustainable mining, Canada Nickel Company Inc. ("Canada Nickel" or the "Company") (TSXV: CNC) (OTCQB: CNIKF) has announced the launch of an in-situ carbon sequestration pilot study at its flagship Crawford Nickel Project. This initiative, in collaboration with the U.S. DOE ARPA-E team led by the University of Texas at Austin, promises to be a significant advancement in the company's sustainability efforts.
The pilot follows prior bench-scale studies conducted by the ARPA team, led by Dr. Estibalitz Ukar, Research Associate Professor at the University of Texas. These studies provided insights valuable for the upcoming field test.
Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel, expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, "Working with Dr. Ukar and her dedicated team has led to a groundbreaking carbon sequestration approach aimed at storing substantial volumes of CO2 efficiently. By pre-carbonating material before mining, we can potentially lower costs and enhance processing value. We eagerly await the outcomes of this real-world field trial."
Dr. Ukar emphasized the value of the partnership, noting, "Canada Nickel has been a terrific ally throughout this project, providing essential site access and geological data, along with robust collaboration. Their involvement underscores a commitment to responsible mineral development and climate action. By promoting innovative methods for sustainable CO2 storage, Canada Nickel is paving the way for a greener future in mining."
The pilot will inject carbon-enriched water sourced from the Crawford site into a 400-meter-deep well within the ultramafic body to assess the natural conditions for large-scale carbon capture. Previous studies have shown that the magnesium-rich mineral brucite reacts with CO2 and transforms into stable secondary minerals like magnesite and nesquehonite.
Excitingly, the CO2-to-rock mineralizing process is expected to begin almost immediately after the carbon injection, with most CO2 likely converting to solid rock within a six-month timeframe. To ensure success, the pilot will utilize various monitoring methods, including groundwater sampling, seismic analysis, gas detection, and satellite monitoring.
It’s essential to note that this pilot is distinct from Canada Nickel’s In-Process Tailings (IPT) Carbonation Program, representing a vital step in enhancing the company's carbon capture and storage capabilities. Insights gained from this study will help inform future carbon sequestration strategies post-mining, further solidifying Canada Nickel's vision of establishing a Zero-Carbon Industrial Cluster.
Qualified Person
Arthur G. Stokreef, P.Eng (ON), who serves as Manager of Process Engineering & Geometallurgy, has reviewed and approved the technical information presented in this announcement on behalf of Canada Nickel Company Inc.
About Canada Nickel Company
Canada Nickel Company Inc. is paving the way for the next generation of nickel-sulphide projects, critical to supporting the high-growth electric vehicle and stainless-steel industries. The company is currently seeking to trademark terms such as NetZero Nickel, NetZero Cobalt, and NetZero Iron while developing processes to produce net-zero carbon products. Canada Nickel presents investors with an opportunity to engage in nickel production located in politically stable environments, anchored by its 100% owned Crawford Nickel-Cobalt Sulphide Project in the renowned Timmins-Nickel District.
For additional information, please reach out to:
Mark Selby
CEO
Phone: 647-256-1954
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the carbon sequestration pilot?
The pilot aims to test a new approach for permanently storing CO2 at the Crawford Nickel Project through innovative techniques in collaboration with the University of Texas.
How long will the pilot last?
The carbon injection pilot is set to run for one month, focusing on the effectiveness of CO2 mineralization.
What materials are being used in the pilot study?
The pilot will utilize carbon-enriched water and aim to inject it into ultramafic rocks, primarily targeting magnesium-rich brucite.
Who oversees the research for the pilot?
The research is being led by Dr. Estibalitz Ukar from the University of Texas at Austin, with support from the Canada Nickel systems.
Why is this pilot significant for Canada Nickel?
This pilot is a step towards building a sustainable future for mining, enhancing carbon capture technologies, and contributing to the Zero-Carbon Industrial Cluster initiative in the area.
