Methodological Magna Carta, Manifesting Mineralogical Mastery

Arca’s groundbreaking carbon dioxide removal methodology combines enhanced air capture with ex‑situ mineralization within ultramafic mine tailings. It has recently received independent validation from DNV, marking the first such endorsement of a mineralization‑focused carbon removal technique. The validation under ISO 14064-2, a globally recognised standard for greenhouse gas removals, vindicates Arca’s claims of permanence and verifiability, advancing the technology from theoretical concept to industrial reality.

Ultramafic Upcycling, Unlocking Underexplored Underground Utilisation

At the heart of Arca’s approach lies the use of ultramafic mine tailings, industrial waste rich in reactive magnesium and iron minerals. When these tailings interact with captured atmospheric CO₂, natural carbonation reactions transform CO₂ into stable carbonate minerals. This chemical conversion sequesters carbon permanently. Thus, a once problematic waste stream becomes a valuable asset, repurposed to provide safe, multi‑tonne carbon removal at scale across mining landscapes worldwide.

Validation Vanguard, Verifying Virtuousness & Veracity

DNV conducted an exhaustive third‑party assessment, examining Arca’s methodological protocols, project documentation, and follow-up interviews with technical staff. The scrutiny confirmed compliance with ISO 14064-2 criteria for monitoring, reporting and verification, rigorous standards essential for corporate and governmental carbon accounting. DNV’s endorsement imbues Arca’s methodology with the trustworthiness required for participation in emerging carbon markets and registries, offering confidence in the integrity of generated carbon credits.

ISO Innovation, Inspiring Institutional Integrity

ISO 14064-2 validation underlines the essential role of standardised, scientific methods in the carbon removal sector. Arca’s approach now fits seamlessly within voluntary carbon market frameworks, where transparency and quality are paramount. This recognition enables integration into registry systems and informs formal protocol development for industrial‑scale removal. Corporate net‑zero plans will increasingly rely on methodologies like Arca’s that are measurable, permanent, and independently verified.

Organizational Overture, Offsetting Emissions & Opening Opportunities

Lucy Craig, Senior Vice President at DNV, praised Arca’s validation as “a new benchmark” illustrating that mineralization techniques can deliver gigatonne‑scale CO₂ removal. She emphasised the importance of methodological diversity, combining bioenergy with carbon capture, industrial sequestration and mineralization, to reach global climate targets. Her endorsement signals to mining and heavy industry that proven, reliable carbon removal technologies exist and can be an asset to sustainability strategies.

Patent‑Pending Potential, Providing Paradigm‑Shifting Prospects

Dr Greg Dipple, Arca’s Head of Science and co‑founder, highlighted the patent‑pending nature of the technology and its scaled potential. He asserted that safely removing atmospheric CO₂ through rock‑based mineralization offers a multi‑billion‑dollar opportunity for mining companies. By leveraging existing mine infrastructure and tailings, firms can transform liabilities into climate assets, generating high‑integrity carbon credits and aligning operations with global environmental expectations.

Scalability & Systemic Synergy, Steering Sector‑wide Sustainability

Arca’s method can be integrated at scale across ultramafic mine sites globally, potentially capturing millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually. It does not require expensive carbon capture equipment or high‑pressure storage; instead, it relies on elemental geochemistry inherent in tailings. The process is durable and permanent: once the carbonate is formed, the CO₂ is locked in mineral form indefinitely. Combined with other industrial decarbonization strategies, mineralization could become a cornerstone of a diversified and credible carbon removal portfolio.

Strategic Symbiosis, Sustaining Science‑Society Solutions

Arca’s success arrives at a crucial moment. Carbon markets are evolving rapidly, regulatory demands are tightening, and net‑zero pledges now hinge on verifiable removals. By meeting ISO standards, Arca’s methodology bridges science, industry and policy. It enables mining firms to contribute directly to climate resilience while creating new revenue streams. At the same time, it helps global efforts to limit warming by removing legacy carbon emissions. As a model, it demonstrates how industrial innovation can align with environmental progress.

Key Takeaways:

• Arca’s patented carbon mineralization method in ultramafic mine tailings has earned ISO 14064‑2 validation from DNV, confirming its permanence and integrity.

• The process chemically converts CO₂ into stable carbonate minerals at scale, transforming mining waste into a permanent carbon sink.

• With third‑party verification, Arca’s method is now eligible for high‑quality carbon credit markets and can inform industrial‑scale deployment globally.