A new mineral-processing concept for production of silica and magnesium carbonate

Norway has abundant supply of natural gas and a high potential of possible added value with increased industrial processing, as an additional option to the use of natural gas as an energy source. The principle of a continuous process for wet carbonation o f olivine has been investigated in a strategic institute program, and the feasibility of a process in at least two steps has been shown. The present project will address the market potential and give a techno-economical analysis of a new industrial approa ch combining natural gas and olivine for production of silica and magnesium carbonate.