oa A Robust Site Characterization Framework for in-situ CO2 Mineralisation

CO2 mineralisation in mafic and ultramafic rocks has gained significant interest due to the durability and safety of this storage method. Peridotite, an ultramafic rock abundant at and near the surface in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), presents a promising target for such projects. Over the past four years, 44.01 has conducted multiple pilot projects in peridotite formations across Oman and Northern UAE.

These geological formations are predominantly fractured, making aqueous-phase flow through fracture networks a key factor in the efficacy and scalability of mineralisation. However, potential storage sites often lack sufficient subsurface data, as they are rarely drilled to target depths. To ensure safe, scalable, and durable CO2 sequestration, a tailored site characterisation framework is essential.

This work highlights the distinct characteristics of peridotite formations and outlines a proposed framework for characterising CO2 mineralisation sites. Electromagnetic surveys are identified as a reliable geophysical tool due to the high resistivity contrast between fresh and serpentinised peridotites. Additionally, wireline logging should focus on fracture and stress characterisation. The framework presented here can be implemented in a stepwise manner to facilitate the robust design of injection and monitoring strategies.