The use of olivine for massive, cost-effective and sustainable sequestration of CO₂

R.D.Schuiling, London October 2011

Note: these proposals are intellectual property of the Olivine Foundation for the reduction of CO₂

This proposal is composed of fifty-four sub-projects, partly national, partly international, partly in a stage of implementation, partly no more than the outline of an idea.  Each sub-project is to be worked out into a complete proposal, if sufficient, but still modest funds are available. The proposals have in common that they make use of the phenomenon of stimulated weathering of olivine and similar natural materials for the sustainable sequestration of CO₂. Additional benefits include public health, the restoration of marine ecosystems, aid to developing countries and contributions to healthier and more productive soils. It is our contention that together, when applied on a world scale, they will provide:

The most viable and cost-effective way to reduce the CO₂content of the atmosphere and counteract the acidification of the oceans.

Large volumes of CO₂ can be captured by stimulated weathering of olivine or serpentine. This will slow down the rise of CO₂ levels in the atmosphere, and ultimately stop it. It also counteracts the ongoing acidification of the oceans, which threatens the survival of corals and other marine organisms, especially those with carbonate skeletons.

The following is a selection of twelve of these projects, which can be implemented fairly rapidly as they can generate an income independent of future carbon credits. The first two proposals concern spreading of olivine on land or at sea. The others are smaller applications, but partly with high pr-value.

These projects are:

1. Spreading of fine-grained olivine over farmland and meadows.

2. Rolling stones: Olivine on beaches and on the bottom of shallow seas.

3. Optimum locations for olivine mining.

4. Phytomining nickel from olivine-rich rocks, while catching CO2

5. Olivine, diatoms and biodiesel

6. Fighting algae with algae?

7. The Green Highway.

8. Use of olivine grit in roof covering

9. The olivine hills.

10. Fire fighting.

11. Capturing CO2 from natural emissions

12. The CATO filter