Mineral Carbonation of Mine Tailings for Long-Term Carbon Capture and Storage

This chapter emphasizes on mineral carbonation technology applicable to the mining industry. The content discusses the utilization of mine tailings as the feedstock for carbon sequestration through the mineral carbonation process. The concept is in line with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which can be integrated into mine processing and reclamation. CCS by means of mineral carbonation is an effective method for sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide for long term and has been regarded as a beneficial approach in combating climate change. This chapter outlines the potential feedstock materials for mineral carbonation, use of mine tailings in carbon sequestration and the factors that can influence the mineral carbonation process. The process of mineral carbonation using different types of feedstocks ranging from Ca/Mg/Fe-based minerals and waste materials in different operating conditions are discussed. Examples from the use of mine tailings such as limestone waste, iron ore and gold mine waste as feedstock for mineral carbonation are also presented. It has been clear that mine tailings may serve as reservoir or sinks for long-term carbon storage in mitigating the impact of carbon dioxide emission. This approach would be useful for a low-carbon future in the mining sector which is essential in meeting the long-term target for environmental sustainability.