ClimateJuly 10, 2026

mineralization

/ˌmɪnərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

Definition

A chemical process in which carbon dioxide reacts with minerals in rock to transform into solid carbonate materials, effectively locking the carbon into a stable, geological form.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'minerale' (ore or mineral), the word combines 'mineral' with the suffix '-ize' to indicate the process of turning a substance into a mineral, followed by '-ation' to denote the act or state of that process.

In the news

In the article, the term refers to a technique used to permanently store carbon dioxide while simultaneously extracting valuable resources like nickel and cobalt from crushed rock. It is highlighted as a key pathway for both carbon removal and domestic supply chain security.

Beyond Storage: How Captured Carbon Can Be Utilized

Read the full article ↗

Bipartisan Policy Center

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