A large-scale experiment, backed by a +57 US$ million investment from companies including Stripe and Alphabet, is set to explore the potential of using basalt rock dust on farmland to absorb atmospheric carbon. This natural process, known as enhanced rock weathering, entails spreading fine basalt dust across fields which then reacts with CO2 to form bicarbonate, potentially locking away carbon long-term.
The startup Lithos Carbon will use the funds to target the removal of 154,000 tons of CO2 by 2028. This approach is considered one of the most promising carbon removal strategies due to its ability to leverage existing agricultural practices. However, challenges remain, such as accurately measuring the carbon sequestered and ensuring the carbon remains trapped over time.
The investment from Frontier, a benefit corporation, is part of a broader effort to finance and scale carbon dioxide removal technologies. While this initiative aims to provide a more durable solution than traditional carbon offsets, it also faces scrutiny regarding the verification of actual carbon removal and the environmental impact of large-scale rock dust application.
The idea that sprinkling rock dust on farmland can soak up atmospheric carbon will be tested at large scale thanks to a $57 million purchase from corporations including…
Source: Can Rock Dust Soak Up Carbon Emissions? A Giant Experiment Is Set to Find Out | WIRED