An evaluation of permitting avenues for deploying carbon mineralization projects with and without acid pre-treatment

Carbon mineralization is an emerging carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology that offers permanent sequestration through the conversion of CO2 into stable carbonate minerals. Despite its potential as a long-term climate mitigation strategy, regulatory frameworks governing carbon mineralization remain underdeveloped compared to conventional CCS strategies. This paper examines the legislative and permitting landscape for in situ carbon mineralization projects in Canada, the United States, and select international jurisdictions (Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Australia). Existing CCS legislation, permitting requirements, and monitoring obligations are reviewed to assess their applicability to mineralization-based storage projects. Attention is given to the regulatory implications of acid pre-treatment, a proposed method to enhance basalt reactivity and accelerate mineralization rates. While acid pre-treatment could positively impact storage operations, it introduces additional permitting complexity related to well classification, chemical stimulation, waste management, and environmental protection requirements. Two implementation pathways (in British Columbia and Washington, DC) are evaluated to determine the extent to which current regulations could enable or restrict the deployment of carbon mineralization projects, with or without acid pre-treatment. The analysis demonstrates that most regulatory frameworks were developed for conventional storage and do not explicitly address mineralization storage. Broad legislative language may allow mineralization projects to be permitted under existing CCS regulations using a case-by-case approach. Regulatory uncertainty surrounding mineralization storage projects remains a significant barrier to deployment, particularly for projects incorporating an acid pre-treatment. However, existing CCS frameworks provide a foundation upon which mineralization-specific regulations can be developed. Establishing clear permitting pathways, monitoring requirements, and guidance for chemical stimulation could accelerate the deployment of carbon mineralization as a secure and scalable carbon management solution.