Research indicates that ancient volcanic formations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England could permanently store millions of tons of industrial CO2. Through a process called carbon mineralization, injected carbon reacts with magnesium and iron in mafic rocks to turn into solid minerals, significantly reducing the risk of leaks. While theoretical capacity ranges from 42 million to 38 billion tons, actual usability depends on rock porosity and connectivity. If proven viable, these geological sinks could provide a critical backstop for hard to abate sectors like cement and chemical manufacturing.
