Diamond mining company ALROSA has launched a pilot project aimed at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The technology is the first of its kind on the Russian market. The pilot is being conducted at the tailings storage facility of the Mirny-Nyurba Mining and Processing Division, with experts from ALROSA’s Innovation Center and the Faculty of Geology at Lomonosov Moscow State University monitoring the process.
Before launching the project, researchers carried out extensive studies to assess the ability of kimberlite rock to absorb carbon dioxide. During ore mining and processing, a natural carbonation reaction occurs. Carbon is transformed from a gaseous state into a stable solid compound—calcium carbonate. As a result, carbon dioxide is permanently locked within the rock and prevented from re-entering the atmosphere.
Alexey Masanov, Head of Technology Development at ALROSA’s Innovation and Technology Center, stated that this is the first project of its kind in Russia. According to him, the technology is highly relevant for climate change mitigation and is comparable in effectiveness to advanced carbon removal solutions such as Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS) and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS).
The new project is expected to remove up to 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year. Such capacity could allow the company not only to achieve carbon neutrality but potentially to become carbon negative. This would make ALROSA’s production footprint more environmentally sustainable than many comparable operations worldwide.
ALROSA previously became the first company in the world to achieve carbon neutrality for natural diamonds. The results were independently verified and certified by TÜV Austria.
The new initiative further strengthens the company’s position as a leader in sustainable technologies within the mining industry. ALROSA now has an opportunity to set a new benchmark for the sector, demonstrating how mineral extraction can be combined with meaningful climate action and environmental responsibility.
Source: @nerzhavey
Image: @nerzhavey
