Workshop 8

Geological storage of CO₂ in mafic and ultramafic rocks is rapidly emerging as
one of the most promising pathways for achieving durable, secure, and
highcapacity carbon removal. These rock types—rich in divalent cations such as
Mg and Ca—offer a unique opportunity for permanent CO₂ storage through mineral carbonation, turning gaseous CO₂ into stable carbonate minerals. Over the last decade, significant advances have been made in understanding reaction kinetics, reservoir characterization, scaling challenges, and field demonstration projects.
Yet, major scientific and engineering gaps remain before this approach can be
deployed at scale.
This daylong workshop brings together researchers, industry representatives,
technology developers, and policymakers to explore the current state of CO₂
storage in mafic and ultramafic formations and chart a path toward largescale
implementation. Participants will gain insights into laboratory investigations, field pilots, geochemical modeling, and emerging industrial applications—from in situ mineralization in basalt formations to ex situ ultramafic rock carbonation in engineered systems.
The workshop is designed as an interactive forum, combining invited talks,
thematic discussion sessions, and collaborative group activities. Its goal is to
synthesize the latest scientific knowledge, highlight innovative techniques,
identify remaining knowledge gaps, and catalyze partnerships that will accelerate progress toward scalable, longterm CO₂ mineralization solutions.
By the end of the event, participants will develop a deeper understanding of
geochemical mechanisms, reservoir properties, siteselection criteria, monitoring
strategies, risks, and technoeconomic considerations associated with mafic and
ultramaficbased CO₂ storage technologies. The workshop will also explore policy
frameworks and funding mechanisms that can support the transition from
laboratory proofofconcepts to commercial-scale deployment.

Subtopics

The workshop will cover a broad spectrum of scientific, technical, and strategic
themes, including but not limited to:
A. Geological and Geochemical Fundamentals
– Mineralogy and geochemistry of mafic and ultramafic rocks
– Reaction pathways for in situ and ex situ CO₂ mineralization
– Role of temperature, pressure, pore water chemistry, and surface area
– Natural analogs and lessons from serpentinization systems

B. Site Characterization and Reservoir Behavior
– Physical properties of basaltic and peridotitic formations
– Hydrology, injectivity, permeability, and fracture networks
– Geophysical and geochemical monitoring tools

-Coretoreservoir scale modeling

C. Laboratory Experiments and Kinetic Studies
– Batch and flowthrough experiments
– Reactive transport modeling
– Scaling mineralization rates from lab to field
– Advances in analytical and imaging techniques

D. Field Projects and Case Studies
– Lessons learned from major field pilots and demonstrations
(e.g., CarbFixtype basalt storage projects; ultramafic rock carbonation trials)
– Injection strategies, operational challenges, and field monitoring
– CO₂ plume development and longterm fate

E. Engineered and Hybrid Approaches
– Ex situ mineralization using mined ultramafic rocks
– Tailings carbonation and minesite carbon removal
– Integration with direct air capture (DAC) and industrial emissions
– Enhancing reaction rates via thermal, mechanical, or chemical activation

F. Risks, Uncertainties, and Environmental Considerations
– Induced seismicity and geomechanical implications
– Metal mobility, groundwater interaction, and environmental safeguards
– Lifecycle assessment and sustainability metrics

G. TechnoEconomic and Policy Dimensions
– Cost drivers and economic feasibility
– Scaling barriers and opportunities for industrial integration
– Policy frameworks, permitting challenges, and safety standards
– Funding mechanisms and international collaborations

H. Toward Scalable Deployment
– Strategies for accelerating research, demonstration, and
commercialization
– Standardization, best practices, and datasharing frameworks
– Roadmapping the next decade of CO₂ mineralization

Potential Participants
This workshop is relevant for a broad and multidisciplinary audience, including:
Academia & Research Institutions
– Geologists, geochemists, petrologists, and mineralogists
– Reactive transport modelers and geomechanics researchers
– Climate scientists and carboncycle researchers
– Postdoctoral researchers and graduate students
Industry & Technology Developers
– Companies working in CCS/CCUS
– Carbon removal startups focusing on mineralization or DAC
– Mining and materials industries involved in tailings management
– Engineering firms developing storage infrastructure
Government, Policy & Regulatory Stakeholders
– Geological surveys and national research agencies
– Environmental regulators and permitting authorities
– Policy analysts and climatestrategy teams
Non-Governmental & International Organizations
– Climateaction initiatives and non-profits
– Funding agencies and philanthropic foundations

– International scientific collaborations
CrossSector Stakeholders
– Investors and venture groups navigating carbon removal markets
– Energy sector professionals transitioning to lowcarbon technologies
– NGOs and community groups interested in responsible deployment
The event is designed to be inclusive for both experts and newcomers who seek a comprehensive understanding of the field and its strategic importance.

Learning Outcomes
By participating in this workshop, attendees will:
Scientific & Technical Mastery
– Gain a clear understanding of the fundamental geochemical and mineralogical mechanisms that govern CO₂ storage in mafic and ultramafic rocks.
– Learn how reservoir properties influence injectivity, mineralization rates,
and longterm storage security.
– Understand experimental techniques, modeling tools, and analytical
methods used to study carbonation reactions.
Applied Knowledge & CaseStudy Insights
– Acquire firsthand knowledge from realworld projects and demonstrations,
including operational successes and lessons learned.
– Evaluate the performance, challenges, and scalability of both in situ and ex
situ approaches.
Practical Skills for Project Development
– Learn how to characterize suitable sites and interpret key geological
datasets.
– Understand monitoring, verification, and riskmitigation strategies.
– Explore tools for technoeconomic analysis and feasibility assessment.
Strategic and LongTerm Perspective
– Identify major research gaps and innovation priorities for the coming
decade.
– Understand policy, regulatory, and permitting considerations for future
deployment.
– Build connections with experts across scientific, industrial, and policy
domains to support collaboration.
Vision for Scalable Solutions
– Leave with a holistic and actionable understanding of how CO₂ storage in
mafic and ultramafic rocks can move from scientific potential to
commercial reality—contributing to global carbonremoval goals.