Turnagain nickel project tests show potential for significant mineral sequestration for carbon neutrality

Giga Metals' Turnagain nickel project in British Columbia recently has announced its first results from test work conducted on its mineralized material. The tests of the materials were conducted at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The results show that the project has the potential for mineral sequestration of CO₂. Giga Metal aims to build the world's first true carbon neutral nickel mine without purchasing carbon credits.

It is reported that the sequestration of CO₂ is absorbed by exposing tailings or other waste rock to the atmosphere. This exposure converts the host rock minerals to carbonate minerals, locking away the CO2 for geological time periods. This exposure is the one that restores the host rock minerals to carbonate minerals, locking away the CO₂ for geological time periods.

The Turnagain deposit host many minerals such as olivine – Mg₂SiO₄, serpentine – Mg₃Si2O5 (OH)⁴, and brucite – Mg(OH)₂,which naturally carbonate. The University's report states that the seasonal variations and management strategies may cause CO₂ sequestration rates to vary. The change in this initial rate will make Turnagain a carbon-neutral project if an electrified haul fleet becomes available.