THE CURRENT STATE OF RESEARCH AND COMMERCIAL GEOLOGIC CARBON SEQUESTRATION IN BASALT AND ULTRAMAFIC ROCKS

The science of carbon sequestration in basalt and ultramafic rock is at an inflection point. Geologists have proven the method in the lab; at Wallula, Washington State, USA; in the Hengill geothermal system, Iceland; and elsewhere. The path ahead is one of expanded commercial development in Europe; proof of commercialization in the North American Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG), Snake River Plain, Midcontinent Rift, and Central Atlantic Magmatic Province; and research concepts for the East African Rift, Deccan Traps, Siberian Traps, other Large Igneous Provinces, and oceanic crust. We report the progress in these basins with specific focus on the geologic, economic, and policy factors for in-situ carbon sequestration in the CRBG. Currently there is an active U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-supported Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise at Hermiston, Oregon (HERO CarbonSAFE) and an active DOE-supported Direct Air Capture Hub (Ankeron DAC Hub) in the CRBG. The Washington Geological Survey is planning the acquisition of the first 3D seismic survey in Washington State to prove the concept of seismic imaging in basalt for carbon sequestration. Finally, we also survey the current state of technology for in-situ critical mineral recovery with negative carbon emissions and ex-situ sequestration and enhanced weathering as soil amendments.