Grant: Alliance Grants

The demand for sustainable access to critical minerals, including lithium, nickel, and platinum group elements (PGE), has grown significantly as these resources form the backbone of modern technologies. However, it is challenging to extract these minerals from complex ultramafic and magmatic deposits. A novel approach utilizing transcritical carbon dioxide (tCO2) has emerged and shows promise in effectively pulverizing rocks and extracting minerals while sequestering CO2. This proposal will assess the feasibility, environmental impact, economic factors, technological advancements, and commercial readiness of the tCO2 technique for mining lithium-bearing pegmatites and Komatiite nickel-copper-PGE. We propose three objectives: (1) Conduct experiments to simulate CO2-based pulverization processes and optimize the extraction of crucial elements from various mineral deposits. Through a comprehensive analysis integrating mineralogical and geochemical data with reactive transport modelling and economic analyses, we will advance the technology and ensure its commercial viability. (2) Conduct a mapping exercise to identify potential deposits and assess the environmental and social implications of critical mineral mining, particularly lithium. This objective will involve analyzing environmental samples and implementing lifecycle assessments to evaluate the environmental costs and trade-offs of advanced mining technologies while promoting sustainable practices. (3) Develop advanced thermodynamic models to accurately predict and analyze the intricate behaviours in the extraction process, considering temperature, pressure, and chemical speciation. By establishing a comprehensive framework for monitoring and predicting the temporal evolution of mineral extraction reactions, the project aims to optimize mining processes and enhance resource utilization. Our proposed study will significantly advance CO2 sequestration knowledge, aid emerging methods' commercial readiness, and provide tools to quantify and mitigate environmental and social impacts. Moreover, it will address climate risks and secure Canada's future as a global supplier of critical minerals.