Canada’s CCS Shift: CO₂ Turns to Stone

Canada is making waves in decarbonization, and Deep Sky is at the forefront with its groundbreaking carbon mineralization technology. By injecting CO₂ into ultramafic rock formations at Thetford Mines and Bécancour, they are converting it into solid calcite for permanent storage. This innovative method offers a safe, leak-free alternative to traditional aquifer storage, boosting Canada's role in global climate efforts.

Deep Sky’s Innovative Mineralization Tech

Deep Sky's in-situ rock-to-stone process is transforming how we handle industrial emissions. CO₂ captured from sources reacts with ultramafic rocks to form stable minerals like calcite. This ensures permanent sequestration without the risks associated with fluid storage.

The projects at Thetford Mines and Bécancour are key examples. Pre-feasibility studies assess the geologic potential for large-scale CO₂ storage. These sites leverage Quebec's rich ultramafic deposits, ideal for mineralization.

• No Leakage Risk: Mineralization locks CO₂ in solid form forever.
• Geologic Suitability: Ultramafic rocks accelerate the natural carbonation process.
• Environmental Benefits: Supports biodiversity and land reclamation in mining areas.

Deep Sky acts as the world's first IP-agnostic carbon removal project developer. They collaborate with various technologies to scale solutions efficiently. This approach accelerates deployment across Canada.

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The Process Behind Rock-Solid Storage

Mineralization replicates natural carbon locking that happens over millions of years but accelerates it to a matter of months or years. CO₂ is dissolved in water and injected into reactive ultramafic rocks, where it bonds with magnesium and calcium to form solid carbonates. The result is safe, permanent, and immune to leakage concerns that come with liquid storage.

1. Capture and Preparation

Industrial CO₂ is captured from facilities such as cement plants and steel mills or through [direct air capture](https://decarbonfuse.com/posts/deep-sky-to-deploy-direct-air-capture-unit-from-skytree-in-canada) systems. The gas is purified, cooled, and compressed before transport to the storage site. This conditioning ensures the CO₂ is in its most reactive state for rapid bonding underground.

2. Injection and Reaction

The prepared CO₂ is injected deep into ultramafic rock formations found in areas like Thetford Mines and Bécancour. Here, the gas reacts naturally with the rock’s minerals, triggering the formation of calcite and other carbonates. The reaction begins almost immediately and continues until the CO₂ is fully converted into stone.

3. Verification and Scaling

Once injected, the mineralized CO₂ is monitored using advanced geophysical imaging and sampling to confirm stability. With successful verification, the process is ready to scale across Quebec’s ultramafic deposits, offering a model that can be expanded to other provinces with compatible geology.

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Synergies with Canada's CCS Ecosystem

Canada’s CCS network is already strong, anchored by large-scale projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan run by companies like Shell Canada and the Pathways Alliance. These projects focus on saline aquifer storage in the vast Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, an area capable of holding an estimated 385 gigatonnes of CO₂.

Deep Sky’s work in Quebec brings a different but complementary strength. By using mineralization instead of aquifer storage, the company adds a storage method that is permanent and immune to migration risks. This diversity in approach strengthens Canada’s overall CCS portfolio.

The Pathways Alliance is building a pipeline network to move CO₂ from oilsands facilities to storage hubs in Alberta. In the future, similar infrastructure could connect with mineralization sites in Eastern Canada, creating a coast-to-coast network that maximizes the country’s 389 gigatonne storage potential.

Government Incentives Driving Growth

Federal and provincial supports are fueling CCS advancements. The CCUS Investment Tax Credit offers substantial rebates for qualified projects. Rates encourage early investments in capture and storage.

Project Type	2022-2030 Rate	2031-2040 Rate
Direct Air Capture	60%	30%
Point Source Capture	50%	25%
Transport & Storage	37.5%	18.75%

Alberta's Carbon Capture Incentive Program aligns with federal efforts, offering 12% grants. Over $2 billion has been invested in CCS R&D. These incentives make projects like Deep Sky's economically viable.

Provincial offset programs in Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan generate credits for storage. Deep Sky's mineralization could qualify, creating revenue streams. This economic model spurs industry participation.

Opportunities and Future Outlook

Canada’s government has put serious financial muscle behind CCS. The CCUS Investment Tax Credit offers up to 60% for direct air capture projects until 2030, while Alberta’s Carbon Capture Incentive Program adds a 12% grant for eligible costs. Since 2021, over $2 billion has been invested in research, development, and deployment of carbon storage technologies.

Deep Sky’s approach taps into these incentives while also benefiting from supportive policies like the Building Canada Act, which can fast-track projects deemed in the national interest. Collaborations with global leaders such as Carbfix bring proven expertise to the table, reducing the time from pilot to commercial scale.

As emissions caps tighten and industries search for permanent storage, mineralization could handle billions of tonnes over the coming decades. By aligning regional geology with cutting-edge science, Canada has a clear path to meet its net-zero targets and remain a global leader in carbon management.