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Development of a Carbon Recycling System toward a Decarbonised Society by using Mineral Carbonation

Environment / Energy (Carbon Neutrality)

Republic of South Africa

Development of a Carbon Recycling System toward a Decarbonised Society by using Mineral Carbonation

Absorb carbon dioxide by means of mineral carbonation, and clean up the environment at the same time

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  IIZUKA Atsushi
  Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University
- Prof.
  Tunde Victor Ojumu
  Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

ODA Recipient Country

Republic of South Africa

Research Institutions in Japan

Tohoku University / Seikei University / Fukuoka Institute of Technology / Taiheiyo Cement Corporation

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Cape Peninsula University of Technology / University of Cape Town / University of the Western Cape / Council for Geoscience

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2020

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Develop a carbon recycling system using mineral carbonation as a step toward climate neutrality
The cement industry is taking various approaches to the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Our approach is to focus on process-related CO₂ emissions that account for 60 percent of the industry's CO₂ emissions, and to develop a carbon recycling system based on performing mineral carbonation of alkaline by-products and waste materials. The resulting carbonates are recycled for use in cement production. Resources that cannot be recycled are used as environmental purification materials, thereby creating a new circulation loop.

Use mineral carbonation to reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to the circular economy with environmental purification materials
We are advancing toward carbon neutrality by developing technologies with low CO₂ marginal abatement costs for making equipment that can easily be procured, operated, and maintained by entities in developing countries. In addition, low-cost, useful products like environmental purification materials made from alkaline by-products and waste products are being developed, and it is expected that they will be used also for the treatment of acid mine drainage.