Deep Talks: CO2 solutions driven by microbes from deep mines

One approach for mitigating excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, a factor that contributes to extreme weather and wildfires, is to reduce excessive CO2 levels by capture and storage. However, storage runs the risk that CO2injected underground as fluid can migrate and escape. Fortunately, nature has provided a solution through carbonate mineralization in deep rock, which stores the carbon in the rock as part of the rock itself.

Dr. Tanvi Govil is an assistant professor in the Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, at South Dakota Mines. Dr. Govil is a leading biological researcher who specializes in finding and isolating useful microbes from various environments, including SURF. Her field of study has widespread applications including agriculture, alternative energy, medicine, materials science, and carbon sequestration.
A team at South Dakota Mines has been working to collect the laboratory data needed to begin developing an extremophile mediated carbon mineralization sequestration system that can be deployed at industrial to community scales.

Also, join us for the presentation of Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) CORES Award to an individual, group, business or organization that demonstrates an ongoing commitment to public outreach efforts across the state.

The Deep Talks lecture series is sponsored by Crow Peak Brewing Company and Charles & Jolene Lichtenwalner.

How to attend:
Deep Talks is held at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, 160 W. Main Street, in Lead, South Dakota. The event begins at 5 p.m. MT with a social hour that includes a Crow Peak Brewing Company beer tasting (must be 21 and older to drink) and light refreshments. The presentation will begin in the Visitor Center classroom at 6 p.m. MT.

Want to attend virtually? The presentation will be recorded and available on Facebook for future viewing.