Immobilisation of chromium in magnesium carbonate minerals

• DOI: 10.1180/mgm.2023.91
• Publication Date: 2024-03-06T08:54:51Z
• Authors: Alicja M. Lacinska; Keith Bateman; Simon Chenery; Simon J Kemp; Thomas Liddy; Jeremy C Rushton; Dipankar Saha; Sven L.M. Schroeder
• Keywords: Carbonate minerals

Abstract Hexavalent chromium (Cr 6+ ) is a toxic carcinogenic pollutant that might be released by the mining and processing of ultramafic rocks nickel laterites which requires permanent removal from contaminated biosphere. Ultramafic material can also serve as feedstock for sequestration CO 2 resulting growth new minerals, raising intriguing proposition integrated both pollutants, chromium, into magnesium carbonates. Such synergistic process downstream ore recovery mineral could an elegant more sustainable utilisation management Earth's resources. We have therefore carried out experimental microanalytical study to investigate potentially suitable carbonate minerals. Uptake in phases was determined, followed identification crystalline characterisation local structural environment around incorporated centres. The results suggest neither nesquehonite nor hydromagnesite capacity incorporate Cr or 3+ significantly at room temperature. propose further research this technology should focus on laboratory assessments other phases, such layered double hyroxides, natural uptake .