MCi Carbon has started producing magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, and amorphous silica at its Myrtle demonstration plant on Kooragang Island in Newcastle, Australia. The plant captures 2,500 tonnes of CO2 per year from Orica's ammonia facility and converts it into solid minerals used in concrete, plasterboard, glass, and paper. This is a real world example of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) moving beyond pilot scale into industrial demonstration. The Australian government backed the project with A$20.5 million through its Carbon Capture Technologies program. The plant supports Australia's target to cut emissions 62-70% below 2005 levels by 2035. The key question is whether the economics work at scale and if the mineral products can compete with conventional materials without subsidies.
