The mine in question is the Turnagain project in British Columbia, western Canada, is considered one of the largest undeveloped sulphide nickel deposits on the planet in terms of total contained nickel.

To achieve such a goal, Giga Metals and Dipple have launched a CO2 sequestration research program whose upcoming phase involves a large-scale pad test to assess the atmospheric carbonation of silicates in Turnagain material. This process will include an assessment of the geomechanical effects of carbonation on this material.

“Further to Elon Musk’s specific call to nickel producers to pursue environmentally-friendly nickel in high volume made during Tesla’s latest earnings call, we are actively pursuing the development of this large sulphide deposit to meet the future requirements of EV manufacturers,” Martin Vydra, the company’s president, said in a media statement.

According to Vydra, if the methodology being employed at Turnagain is accepted as a valid measure of carbon uptake in silicate mine residue, carbon credits could be obtained. In basic terms, it works by converting silicates to carbonates, which means that the CO2 is locked away for geological time scales.

According to the executive, in addition to CO2 sequestration, cementation occurs when silicate fines convert to carbonate minerals. This cementation is expected to stabilize and strengthen residue impoundment facilities, thereby decreasing containment risk.

“Upcoming studies of the geomechanical effect of carbonation on Turnagain lithologies could affect mine sequencing and tailings management practices,” he said.

“This exciting research now underway could help with our goal by providing a way to measure carbon uptake in our residue.”