KAPSARC – Assessing the Technical Potential of Ex Situ Enhanced Mineralization in Saudi Arabia

The document focuses on assessing the technical potential of ex situ enhanced mineralization (ESEM) in Saudi Arabia as a strategy for CO₂ utilization and carbon dioxide removal.

Key findings include that ESEM uses industrial by-products and silicate minerals to permanently bind CO₂ into stable carbonate forms. Saudi Arabia, due to its industrial landscape, has significant opportunities for large-scale ESEM deployment. Major waste streams such as steel slag, cement dust, red mud from alumina processing, and others can currently bind about 4.9 million tons of CO₂ per year. The CO₂ binding potential could increase to 9.6 million tons per year by 2060.