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" />Last year, I took on an exciting challenge: establishing UNDO’s Canada Team in Kingston, Ontario. This project marked a major milestone – UNDO’s largest partnership to date with Microsoft, aimed at advancing research in enhanced rock weathering (ERW). The project involved spreading 65,000 tonnes of crushed silicate rock: 40,000 tonnes of basalt in the UK and 25,000 tonnes of wollastonite in Canada. With over a third of this venture relying on the success of our new Canadian operations, the stakes were high.
This wasn’t just about gathering the right team – it was about laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future. Canada is well-positioned to be an ERW and carbon removal powerhouse. The country has more than 190,000 farms spanning 62 million hectares of agricultural land. Enhanced rock weathering as a whole has the potential to remove billions of tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere while benefiting agricultural soils. UNDO is at the forefront of making this a global reality.
Why Kingston? Ontario Is the Perfect Location for Enhanced Rock Weathering
Kingston was strategically chosen for this project for several important reasons:
1. Proximity to Canadian Wollastonite (CW)
UNDO partnered with Canadian Wollastonite (CW), an Ontario-based mine with access to an estimated 17 megatonnes of high-quality rock. While named “Canadian Wollastonite,” the rock itself contains approximately 30% wollastonite minerals alongside others such as pyroxene and plagioclase. This mineral composition makes it ideal for enhanced rock weathering, as wollastonite reacts quickly with CO₂ in soil, forming stable carbonates that lock away carbon for millennia. By sourcing locally, we not only reduce transportation emissions but are also supporting a regional economy that values sustainable practices.
2. Wollastonite’s Unique Properties
Wollastonite stands out among silicate rocks for several reasons:
– High CO₂ Capture Efficiency: Compared to many other silicate minerals, wollastonite reacts with carbon dioxide much faster. This accelerates carbon capture in the soil environment. It also requires less volume of material spread in order to capture the same amount of CO2 compared to other feedstocks.
– Soil Health Benefits: As wollastonite weathers, it releases essential nutrients like calcium and silica, which improve soil structure and fertility. It’s particularly beneficial in areas with acidic soils, helping to neutralise pH levels.
– Sustainability of Application: Unlike other silicate rocks, wollastonite can be reapplied annually to the same land without diminishing returns, making it highly scalable for long-term agricultural partnerships.
3. Kingston’s Agricultural Landscape
Ontario’s diverse agricultural landscape provided an ideal setting for field trials. Crops such as soybeans and corn thrive with wollastonite’s soil-enhancing benefits and create opportunities for long-term partnerships with local farmers.
By anchoring our operations in Kingston, we were able to combine science, industry, and local resources to accelerate progress on one of the most promising carbon removal technologies.
Meet the Founding Team of UNDO Canada
The foundation of any ambitious project lies in its people. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked alongside such an amazing group of individuals during my time in Canada. The original team brought together a unique mix of skills, creativity, and dedication, and they made every challenge feel achievable, even the tough ones.
– Zoe Couillard – “Momma Bear”: Zoe’s unmatched organisational skills ensured every detail was handled, from logistics to documentation. She created structure amidst the chaos of field operations, earning her affectionate nickname.
– Daniel Chaput – “Deployment Danny”: Daniel’s determination and hands-on expertise became invaluable in deploying wollastonite efficiently across multiple sites. His nickname reflected his tireless commitment to getting the job done.
– Paul Bass – “The Problem Solver”: Paul’s knack for creative problem-solving, whether in the lab or the field, was legendary. His truck became a mobile workshop, symbolising his resourcefulness in overcoming every challenge.
Together, they formed the heart of UNDO Canada’s first steps into Kingston’s soils.
Fieldwork Milestone: The Great Wollastonite Spread
Field deployment is where the theory of enhanced rock weathering meets the reality of logistics and physical work. “The Great Spread” at the Benacres trial plot was one of the defining moments of the project. Here’s how it unfolded:
The Process
The team deployed 630 kilograms of wollastonite, using a straightforward yet effective technique they called “feeding the chickens.” This involved manually scattering the material in broad arcs to ensure even coverage. While low-tech, this method was highly effective for the small plot trials, allowing precise application rates.
The Challenges
– Extreme Weather: The team faced 40-degree heat while navigating waist-high soybean fields.
– Field Conditions: Thick clay soils and the dense crop canopy made manoeuvring equipment and materials a challenge.
– Innovation on the Fly: With limited resources, the team relied on a quad bike, hand tools, and their own grit to complete the work.
The Results
This trial was not just about spreading rock – it was about gathering critical data. By monitoring soil pH, porewater chemistry, and CO₂ fluxes post-application, the team established baseline metrics that will guide future large-scale deployments.
To celebrate our success, we headed to Paul’s house for a swim and a well-earned drink—proof that hard work and good company always go hand in hand.
Scaling Operations: The Carbon Lab and Dracula Lab
As the Canada project grew, so has the need for specialised lab spaces to support measurement and validation. Here’s how the team has scaled up:
The Carbon Lab
Located in Kingston, the Carbon Lab has become the hub for conducting sample analyses. These tests are critical for measuring the amount of CO₂ captured by the rock after it reacts with soil and water, providing hard evidence of the efficacy of enhanced rock weathering.
The Dracula Lab
Through our partnership with Queen’s University, we’ve co-opted their old morgue and nicknamed it the Dracula Lab. This space houses deployment samples, field equipment, and sample cores. Despite its creepy surroundings, it is an essential part of our operation, offering the storage and workspace needed for our growing team.
Expanding the Team
With the labs in place, the team has also welcomed two new hires:
Gabbie and Logan: Both quickly mastered advanced lab protocols, including porewater analysis and centrifuging. Their contributions have allowed the team to double-sampling capacity within weeks.
Challenges and Successes in Enhanced Rock Weathering Operations
Overcoming challenges in the field and lab is what makes scaling our promising carbon dioxide removal solution possible. Some highlights include:
– Adaptability: From sourcing replacement parts for equipment on Wolfe Island to troubleshooting clay soil issues, the team’s creativity ensured progress never stalled.
– Scaling Sampling Efforts: By the end of my six weeks, the team had collected and analysed 120 samples. Today, they process 240 samples weekly, providing a steady stream of data to refine our carbon removal models.
– Community Partnerships: Working with local farmers and researchers created a strong foundation for future collaborations, ensuring that the project benefits not just the planet but also local communities.
Reflecting on the Launch of UNDO Canada
Looking back, I’m proud of what UNDO Canada has achieved. Establishing a new regional operation isn’t easy, but the dedication and resilience of the founding team made it possible. Since then, the team has grown, welcoming new members like Josh (field tech), Declan (lab coordinator), and Courtney (field/lab tech), who have continued to push boundaries and deliver results.
UNDO Canada represents a critical step toward scaling enhanced rock weathering globally. The lessons learned in Kingston will inform our work in other regions, proving that with the right people, partnerships, and perseverance, we can tackle the climate crisis one tonne of rock spread at a time.
Thank you, Team Canada, for your hard work and the unforgettable memories. Here’s to the future of carbon removal and the vital role you play in it.
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Lucy is a field technician in UNDO's UK measurement team, based in Stirling, where she collects and analyses soil and pore water samples to support our MRV processes. With a BSc in Biology from the University of St Andrews and experience in ecological surveying, she plays a key role in advancing UNDO's scientific efforts.
