Isometric Issues I CDR Protocol I in the Mining Industry

Decarbonization Register Isometric has released a new protocol covering carbon dioxide removal in the mining sector.

The new protocol sets guidelines for permanent carbon dioxide removal (CDR) which is achieved through off-site mineralization of mine tailings and waste rock in order to accelerate weathering.

Developed by Isometric’s internal science team and a network of expert advisors from WSP, Republic of Marshall Islands, Heriot Watt Universityand Cardiff Universitythe Open System Off-Site Mining (OSEM) protocol is It opens For public consultation until January 20, 2025.

In essence, the protocol covers the process of ex situ mineralization, which triggers a reaction between alkaline materials and the atmosphere, enabling a weathering process that removes and stores carbon dioxide in the atmosphere for thousands of years.

Under the OSEM Protocol, mine tailings and waste rock are treated to enhance their ability to naturally draw down atmospheric carbon dioxide.

OSEM allows the use of a variety of alkali materials (or feedstocks) from industrial by-products in the process, such as mine tailings, steel slag, and cement waste, which can have an enhanced ability to absorb atmospheric CO2 by treating them physically or Pre-treated by thermal, chemical and physical methods.

Recognizing the complex regulations in mining, the Protocol was created in line with current regulatory requirements relating to tailings and waste rock management, and to ensure that decarbonisation activities are compatible with local and international environmental standards.

In addition, isometric requirements for Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) have been developed, which can be used on both operational and closed mining sites.

appropriate: Isometrics became the first carbon record with approval from ICVCM, CORSIA and ICROA

In the journey to develop the CDR mining protocol, Isometric took into account feedback provided by decarbonisation provider Arca, a mining specialist that uses remote-controlled rovers to process mine tailings.

Dr. Greg Dibble, co-founder and chief science officer at Arca, shared that the company is happy to support Isometric in this effort.

“Developing a CDR pathway to utilize alkaline industrial waste streams, such as those produced by certain forms of mining, could be a low-cost and highly scalable means of removing a physically significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,” he commented.

Read more: Arca and BHP are collaborating on a new project to capture carbon dioxide at a nickel mine