The tailings parks of southern Quebec have naturally sequestered nearly 1,8 million tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) for a century. And this figure represents only a very small fraction of the total sequestration potential offered by this sector, according to a study conducted at the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at Laval University in Quebec.

For several years, Professor Beaudoin has been campaigning in favor of carbon sequestration as a complement to the reduction of CO2 emissions and the reduction of energy consumption in pursuit of the objectives of the Kyoto protocol. In Quebec, this third route could pass through the residues from the exploitation of chrysotile (asbestos). Indeed, the magnesium contained in these residues reacts naturally with atmospheric CO2 to form an ore called hydromagnesite, in which the CO2 is immobilized in perpetuity. This reaction would make it possible to reduce the quantity of CO2 in the atmosphere while settling the case of mining residues which mar the landscape of the asbestos and Estrie regions (in the south-east of Quebec).

contacts:
beaudoin@ggl.ulaval.ca
Sources: Jean Hamann - Through the events, 28/04/2005 - Universite Laval
- http://www.scom.ulaval.ca/Au.fil.des.evenements/2005/04.28/fiola.html
Editor: Nicolas Vaslier MONTREAL, nicolas.vaslier@diplomatie.gouv.fr