A mining project in Ontario was greenlit – the first significant step to a greener future with its commitment to decarbonisation in an unusual way that could change the sector.

The Crawford project is an initiative by Canada Nickel and has received approval for mining in Ontario. The groundbreaking effort will produce an unprecedented amount of nickel while setting a precedent for what mines will look like in the era of decarbonisation by using its waste by-products or tailings.

Since Canada’s Impact Assessment Act of 2019, no positive Decision Statement has been given to a mining company. The Crawford project is different, as its infrastructure will take its carbon dioxide emissions and store them via proprietary in-process tailings (IPT) carbonation tools.

The process works using injection technologies. The CO₂ goes into the tailings as they are processed. The timing matters because waiting until deposition would not result in a carbonate material. The by-product could permanently store 1.5 million tpy of CO₂, transforming a climate threat into a usable asset that supports circular economic practices.

The technology used in this mining effort is unique compared with other greenhouse gas sequestration measures. For example, gray hydrogen produced by natural gas companies is recycled into the facility as a feedstock for other processes. Not all projects have a successful capture rate or are fully effective. Only some projects, such as one in Texas, have struck a balance by storing over 200 million t of carbon dioxide underground.

Alternatively, with IPT carbonation, sequestration is certain due to tailings mineralisation. The emissions become a useful product, making mining more operationally circular. These actions would work effectively alongside other initiatives to decarbonise mining, including electrifying utilities with renewable energy, recycling water, and implementing programmes to control waste generation.

Materials handling efficiency, which the Crawford project excels in, can be supported with other efforts, including bulk bags that can be used several times while holding around 4000 pounds of materials each. Carbon sequestration could become another characteristic and expectation of responsible mining, amplifying all prior endeavors to reduce mining’s emissions.

The Crawford project could kick-start the green revolution in the Canadian mining industry. It could become the central cluster and carbon sink for external industrial emissions.

As the organisation increases yields, the by-product will harness more carbon. Eventually, it could become a carbon-negative mining site, with storage helping nearby projects realise a positive impact. Canada was able to achieve this despite its strict environmental standards and detailed coordination with Indigenous nations.

Widespread systemic change is both desired and required as an aftereffect of this technology. This project could be the first to inspire conversations about requiring carbon sequestration and circular practices at all future mining sites by leveraging tailings. Provided the project adheres to its approval conditions and permits, expectations regarding mining infrastructure will shift toward an even cleaner path for minerals.

The Route to Circular Mining IPT carbonation from the Crawford project can inspire future sites to become more innovative and creative in how they view their waste output. Tailings have far more potential than the sector has acknowledged, especially when it comes to solving one of the industry’s most prominent pain points – mitigating its adverse climate impacts.

Jane Marsh is a seasoned environmental journalist and the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co, specialising in in-depth coverage of environmental trends, sustainability, and the evolving energy landscape. With her work featured on leading platforms like Renewable Energy Magazine, Manufacturing.net, and Nation of Change, Jane brings a keen perspective on the intersection of energy innovation and industry practices.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/21092026/the-mine-that-captures-its-own-emissions-crawford-project-targets-15-million-tpy-of-co2/