Isometric, a leading carbon removal registry, has introduced a new protocol designed to advance CO₂ removal within the mining industry. The protocol, which outlines how to effectively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through ex-situ mineralization of mine tailings and waste rock, aims to contribute to global carbon reduction efforts.
Protocol Focuses on Accelerated Weathering Process
The Open System Ex-Situ Mineralization (OSEM) Protocol, developed by Isometric’s in-house science team with contributions from expert advisors at WSP, RMI, Heriot-Watt University, and Cardiff University, focuses on accelerating the natural weathering process. This process enables the formation of a reaction with alkaline material and atmospheric CO₂ and ensures long-term CO₂ storage over thousands of years.
The OSEM protocol is public consultation till 20 January, 2025 to enable public suggestions on the methodology used by this protocol.
Industrial By-Product Utilization: Flexible CO₂ Removal
The protocol enables the use of industrial by-products, like mine tailings, steel slag, and waste cement, as feedstocks for CO₂ removal. Thermal, chemical, and physical processes treat these materials to enhance their ability to absorb and store CO₂.
This flexibility in feedstocks provides an innovative way to repurpose waste materials while contributing to carbon sequestration.
Regulatory Compliance and Monitoring Standards
Isometric designed the OSEM protocol to comply with existing mining regulations for managing tailings and waste rock effectively. This alignment ensures that carbon removal activities under the protocol comply with both local and international environmental standards.
The protocol also includes guidelines for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) to track CO₂ removal performance. These standards apply to both active and decommissioned mine sites.
Also read: Isometric and Pachama Collaborate on Digital Monitoring for Reforestation Credits
Support from Carbon Removal Suppliers
Arca, a carbon removal supplier using remote-controlled rovers for mine tailings, contributed valuable insights to developing the OSEM protocol.
Dr. Greg Dipple, co-founder and Head of Science at Arca, said, “Developing a CDR pathway to leverage alkaline industrial waste streams, such as that produced by certain forms of mining, can be a low-cost and highly scalable way to remove a materially significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.”
Pathway to a Greener Future
The OSEM protocol provides a promising way to reduce CO₂ emissions in mining, a major source of greenhouse gases. The protocol helps mining operations boost CO₂ absorption using industrial by-products, offering a cost-effective, scalable path to carbon neutrality.
The protocol is now open for public consultation, allowing the mining industry and global stakeholders to influence carbon removal strategies.
