Blue Skies Minerals permanently sequesters carbon dioxide by reacting it with mine tailings using the Carbonated Tailings Process. This method converts CO2 into stable carbonate minerals, offering a traceable and permanent storage solution for carbon capture operators. The process also stabilizes mining waste, preventing the leaching of toxic metals.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
The imperative to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide requires scalable and permanent carbon sequestration solutions. Traditional mining operations generate substantial waste, presenting environmental liabilities such as metal leaching and the need for long-term tailings impoundments.
Solution
Blue Skies Minerals addresses these challenges by converting captured carbon dioxide into stable carbonate minerals within mining waste via its Carbonated Tailings Process (CTP). This process permanently sequesters CO2 while simultaneously stabilizing mine tailings, preventing metal leaching and reducing the need for conventional tailings impoundments. The CTP involves blending CO2, in gaseous or solution form, with ground mine tailings and additives, resulting in a cementitious mixture suitable for underground or surface disposal alongside waste rock. By mineralizing CO2, Blue Skies Minerals offers a verifiable, rock-solid carbon storage solution that enhances mine waste management and mitigates environmental risks. The company aims to deploy its CTP at 75 mining operations by 2050, removing over one gigaton of atmospheric CO2.
Target Audience
Blue Skies Minerals targets carbon capture companies seeking permanent carbon storage solutions, as well as mining companies looking to reduce their environmental footprint and improve waste management practices.
Features
- Carbonated Tailings Process (CTP) for in-situ carbon mineralization within mine tailings
- Permanent CO2 sequestration through conversion into stable carbonate minerals
- Enhanced mine waste stabilization, preventing metal leaching and reducing environmental liabilities
- Cementitious mixture suitable for disposal in underground or surface waste rock dumps
- Applicability to a wide range of mine types and ore bodies
- Compatibility with direct air capture (DAC) technologies for CO2 sourcing
- Potential elimination of traditional tailings impoundments