What is the core technology used by Australia's first carbon refinery, and how does it differ from conventional carbon capture and storage?

The core technology used is mineral carbonation, described by CEO Marcus Dawe as 'the Earth's own natural process for taking CO2 out of the atmosphere and putting it into rock.' Unlike conventional carbon capture and storage (CCS), which moves CO2 into underground caverns, this carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) approach transforms captured CO2 into usable 'carbon-embodied' products such as concrete, paper, and glass.

What is the annual CO2 capture capacity of the demonstration plant, and where is the CO2 sourced from?

The demonstration plant can potentially capture 2,500 metric tons of CO2 per year, sourced from explosives giant Orica's ammonia-making operations on Kooragang Island in New South Wales.

Australia Opens First Carbon Refinery, Producing Products from Captured CO2

Jun 17, 2026

Australia inaugurated its first carbon refinery on Kooragang Island, converting CO2 from Orica's ammonia operations into concrete, paper, and glass using MCI Carbon's mineral carbonation technology.

reuters

2026-06-17

Australia Opens First Carbon Refinery, Producing Products from Captured CO2

Australia Opens First Carbon Refinery, Producing Products from Captured CO2

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