Farming nickel from non-ore deposits, combined with CO2 sequestration

Abstract

A new way is described to recover nickel from common rock-types, by the use of nickel hy- peraccumulator plants. The idea of phytomining nickel was suggested earlier, but never imple- mented. This situation may soon change, be- cause the mining sector suffers from a poor image on account of the impact of mining on the environment, and would like to reduce the pol- lution and high energy consumption associated with metal extraction. Once phytomining is es- tablished as a viable way of nickel production, it is likely that governments will impose nickel mines to realize part of their nickel production by this method. This will lead to a considerable decrease of CO2 emissions. Phytomining from rocks rich in olivine or serpentine is CO2-nega- tive. When metal extraction goes hand in hand with CO2 sequestration, it will improve the image of the mining sector. Other advantages include that unproductive soils can serve to grow nickel hyperaccumulator plants and recover nickel. The extensive mining technology can provide em- ployment to many poor farmers/miners. Coun- tries that want to be self-sufficient in strategic materials, and avoid spending foreign currency on importing them can switch to phytomining. This paper treats different aspects of future nickel farming.