#Canada #Canada Nickel #Crawford Project #Timmins #Carbon Sequestration

Canada Nickel and the University of Texas at Austin Launch Carbon Sequestration Pilot Project

Canada Nickel Company Inc. has teamed up with the University of Texas at Austin to kick off a significant one-month pilot project focusing on carbon sequestration at its flagship Crawford Nickel Project located near Timmins, Ontario. This collaboration, bolstered by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's ARPA-E program, is not just a part of Canada Nickel’s existing initiatives but a standalone effort aimed at advancing carbon storage solutions.

Background

The Crawford Nickel Project has been at the forefront of nickel extraction efforts, and now it aims to take a leading role in responsible environmental practices. The pilot study builds on previous bench-scale studies performed by the ARPA team, under the guidance of Dr. Estibalitz Ukar, a research associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin. This collaboration introduces a new, innovative approach to carbon sequestration, hoping to both enhance the mining process and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.

Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel, expressed enthusiasm about working alongside Dr. Ukar and her team, highlighting the potential benefits of this pioneering method. He stated, “We look forward to the results from this next stage of testing in a real-world field trial.” The project not only aims to sequester carbon but also to do so in a way that reduces costs and maximizes the processing value of nickel.

Project Details

The month-long pilot involves injecting carbon-rich water directly into a 400-meter-deep well located within the ultramafic rock body at Crawford. This process seeks to convert CO2 into solid minerals, such as magnesite and nesquehonite, within a short time frame. Preliminary studies indicated that the mineral brucite plays a crucial role in capturing CO2, making it a vital component of this carbon storage initiative.

Monitoring this project will employ various techniques, including groundwater sampling, seismic sensors, gas detection, and satellite tracking to ensure accurate evaluation of carbon capture and storage capabilities under natural conditions.

The timeline suggests that the mineralization process will commence within hours following the injection, with a substantial amount of CO2 expected to solidify into rock within six months. The findings gathered will not only provide insights into the effectiveness of this method but also assist in shaping future strategies for carbon sequestration.

Commitment to Sustainability

The partnership between Canada Nickel and the University of Texas at Austin emphasizes a commitment to sustainable mining practices and innovation in carbon management. As quoted by Dr. Ukar, the success of this initiative demonstrates Canada Nickel’s dedication to responsible mineral development and its proactive stance on climate action.

This pilot project also aligns with Canada Nickel's broader vision of establishing a Zero-Carbon Industrial Cluster in Northeastern Ontario, showcasing how the mining sector can contribute to combating climate change. The results from this pilot are anticipated to guide the company in developing advanced post-mining carbon sequestration strategies, further enhancing their environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

Canada Nickel's ongoing efforts to innovate in carbon sequestration represent a key milestone for both the company and the mining industry at large. Such initiatives not only pave the way for enhanced mining profitability but also showcase a strong commitment to reducing the environmental impact associated with mineral extraction. As this pilot progresses, it stands as an exemplar of how industry collaboration can lead to sustainable advancements in mining and environmental conservation.

For further inquiries, contact:
Mark Selby, CEO
Phone: 647-256-1954
Email: [email protected]