Other solutions to store CO2 are still contemplated, such as storage in basaltic rocks. Storage capacities of these alternate solutions are far less considerable than that of saline Aquifers, oilfields, gas fields or coal seams, but remain significant nonetheless.

Storage in basalt

This research area is the most explored of all alternate CO2 sequestration concepts

The idea of transforming CO2 into a stable product emerged at the beginning of the 2000s. It is based on the observation of the natural forming of carbon rocks, which happens over millions of years. These rocks form after a series of varied interactions (superficial alteration, subterranean water flow and hydrothermal activity) between an Aqueous fluid, more or less concentrated in CO2, and fragments of silicate minerals enriched in calcium and magnesium. In the presence of CO2, calcium and magnesium will react to Precipitate into carbonates. These reactions are well-known by the geologists and can be reproduced artificially.

In conclusion, mineral sequestration consists in injecting CO2 into a natural milieu which chemical particularities facilitate its mineral trapping – e.g. aquifer reservoir inside Basic rocks from magma formations, such as basalt. The Institute of Physics from the Globe of Paris and the BRGM currently explore this method.