How Enhanced Rock Weathering Works
Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a carbon removal approach that accelerates natural chemical reactions between calcium-rich minerals, water, and carbon dioxide. As these minerals weather, they can help convert atmospheric CO₂ into dissolved forms of carbon that may be stored over long periods.
Green Steel Carbon is developing an approach that uses carefully processed calcium-rich materials from steel production. Green Steel Carbon is developing an approach using calcium silicate processed from steel slag, a byproduct of steel manufacturing, for application on agricultural land as part of its enhanced rock weathering projects.
OUR MATERIAL APPROACH
Why Steel-Derived Minerals?
Enhanced rock weathering can use different mineral materials, including naturally occurring rocks such as basalt and olivine. Green Steel Carbon is developing an approach using processed, calcium-rich materials from steel production, creating an opportunity to put existing industrial resources to productive use in agriculture and carbon removal.
PROCESSED STEEL SLAG
A calcium-rich byproduct of steel production that can be processed for potential use in enhanced rock weathering.
- Existing industrial material
- Processing and material testing required
- Potential agricultural soil amendment
- Opportunity to utilize established industrial supply chains
BASALT
A naturally occurring volcanic rock used in enhanced rock weathering applications.
- Typically sourced through quarrying
- Crushing and grinding required
- Contains weatherable silicate minerals
- Transport and processing influence project logistics
OLIVINE
A naturally occurring magnesium-rich silicate mineral studied for carbon removal through enhanced weathering.
- Typically sourced from mineral deposits
- Processing and grinding required
- Magnesium-rich mineral composition
- Material suitability and environmental considerations require evaluation
From Steel to Soil
Green Steel Carbon's approach begins with calcium-rich materials from steel production. Before any potential agricultural application, materials must be evaluated, processed, and matched with suitable field conditions.
01
STEEL PRODUCTION & MATERIAL SOURCING
Calcium-rich materials are identified from steel production and processing operations.
02
MATERIAL TESTING & PROCESSING
Materials are evaluated for composition, environmental suitability, and processing requirements.
03
AGRICULTURAL SITE IDENTIFICATION
Geographic analysis, soil information, and field assessments help identify suitable agricultural land.
04
TRANSPORTATION & SPREADING
Material transportation and agricultural application are planned in coordination with participating growers.
05
DATA COLLECTION & MONITORING
Field information, sampling, and monitoring data support evaluation of project performance and potential carbon removal.
Working With Farmers
Agricultural Participation
Farmers and landowners are central to Green Steel Carbon's approach. We aim to work with established and next-generation farmers to evaluate suitable agricultural land, understand field conditions, and explore opportunities for participation. Their input helps shape project planning and ensure agricultural priorities are considered.
Potential Soil Benefits
Calcium-rich materials may help address soil acidity and support nutrient availability, depending on the material, soil conditions, and application rates. Potential agricultural benefits are evaluated as part of project planning and monitoring.
Responsible Field Monitoring
Soil sampling, material testing, and field monitoring help assess environmental conditions and project performance. These activities are important to understanding both agricultural outcomes and potential carbon removal.
Data-Driven Planning & Monitoring
Green Steel Carbon's project development approach brings together geographic analysis, material evaluation, agricultural field data, and planned scientific monitoring. These elements are intended to support responsible project development and provide the foundation for measuring, verifying, and documenting potential carbon removal.
GEOGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE
GIS mapping, land characteristics, and logistical analysis help identify and evaluate potential agricultural application sites.
MATERIAL & FIELD ASSESSMENT
Material characterization, soil information, and field assessments help determine project suitability and monitoring requirements.
DATA INTEGRATION & MONITORING
Project information from field activities, sampling, testing, and operational records can be brought together to support ongoing evaluation.
VERIFICATION SUPPORT
Organized project data and monitoring records can support independent review and the assessment of potential carbon removal.