Machine crushes minerals into a fine powder.
This is the expanded view of tooltip for #1. That carbon needs to be stored somewhere, and Canada has world-class options. It can be permanently stored deep underground in
Powder is introduced directly into the ocean or rivers.
This is the expanded view of tooltip for #2
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How does Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement work?
The ocean is the world’s largest carbon sink, naturally absorbing about 25% of all CO2 emissions. But as it absorbs more carbon dioxide, seawater becomes more acidic—damaging marine life and reducing the ocean’s ability to store additional carbon. Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) solves both problems by adding naturally-occurring minerals to seawater.
Just like antacids neutralize stomach acid, OAE minerals make seawater less acidic. This allows the ocean to safely absorb and store more CO2 from the atmosphere. The carbon gets locked away in the ocean for thousands of years. Canada can also use River Alkalinity Enhancement (RAE) to treat rivers before water flows into the ocean, multiplying the impact.
These technologies don’t just remove carbon; they can also help restore fish habitats. Ocean acidification has harmed shellfish, coral reefs, and the fish populations that depend on them. By reducing acidity, OAE creates healthier conditions for marine ecosystems to recover, protecting Canada’s valuable fisheries and the coastal communities that rely on them.
Canada has everything needed to lead in OAE: abundant minerals, long coastlines, and maritime expertise. This technology offers a chance to capture billions in the growing carbon removal market while protecting the ocean ecosystems that sustain our fishing industry and coastal economies.
Co-Benefits from OAE
Restore Fish Habitats
OAE reduces ocean acidification, which is key to restoring marine ecosystems. This restoration facilitates the return, breeding, and rebuilding of salmon and other marine populations.
Rural Community Job Creation
OAE’s flexibility in site location makes it ideal for rural economic development, creating jobs in communities across Canada.
Industries Supported
Mining
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Fishing
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Waste Management
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Project snapshot
Tufts Cove
Dartmouth, NS
Planetary adds a safe mineral to our waterways, or even waste water treatment systems, to boost the ocean’s capacity to absorb and permanently store carbon. They run year-round at Nova Scotia Power’s Tufts Cove plant after scaling up from a one-week trial.
West River Pictou & Moser River
Pictou County & Moser River, NS
CarbonRun adds crushed limestone to acidified Nova Scotia rivers, restoring their natural ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it permanently in the ocean, while restoring fish habitats. CarbonRun issued the world’s first verified river alkalinity enhancement credits.
