Understanding fluid-rock interactions of ultramafic rocks for CO2 mineralization, natural H2 resources and critical element mobility

Co-organized by ERE3/TS8

Convener: Manuel MenzelECSECS | Co-conveners: Katrin SteinthorsdottirECSECS, Frank Zwaan

Abstract submission

Fluid-rock interactions of ultramafic rocks in the subsurface have a substantial potential for large-scale CO2 storage by long-term mineralization, are a source of natural H2 resources, and play an important role in the formation of various critical ore deposits (e.g. Ni, Co). Understanding the underlying processes is therefore highly relevant for climate crisis mitigation and the energy transition. The coupled chemical, hydrological and mechanical feedbacks and the interplay between dynamic changes in pH, redox conditions and critical metal mobility during these interactions are not yet fully understood. We cordially invite contributions that advance our understanding of the conditions, mechanisms and rates of CO2 mineralization, H2 generation and element mobility during fluid-rock interactions in peridotites and serpentinites from microscopic to industrial and tectonic scales, including studies of natural analogues, field surveys, pilot injection sites, laboratory experiments and theoretical simulations.