Arca and Microsoft Forge Carbon Removal Partnership for a Greener Future

Arca, an industrial mineralization company based in Canada, has announced a new offtake agreement with Microsoft to supply nearly 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) over the next decade. This partnership represents a significant step in Arca’s mission to harness industrial mineralization solutions, which repurpose alkaline waste streams to capture and permanently store atmospheric carbon dioxide as stable carbonate minerals.

The agreement draws attention to the importance of innovative technologies in addressing climate change. Tim Hodgson, Canada’s federal minister of energy and natural resources, remarked, “The next generation of clean growth will be built by Canada’s first-class innovation ecosystem – companies like Arca, which are turning Canadian ingenuity into global leadership.” He emphasized that carbon removal technologies not only serve as strategic tools in combating climate change but also create employment opportunities and position Canada as a leader in the low-carbon economy.

Arca’s projects initially focus on repurposing mining byproducts, such as tailings and waste rock, which accelerate the natural process of carbon mineralization. This process effectively converts gaseous CO2 into solid mineral forms, delivering measurable and independently verified carbon removals. The approach not only makes mine waste safer but also generates jobs for local communities.

In 2025, Arca successfully completed its first full-scale mineralization demonstration at an active mine site. The company is now working towards expanding its pipeline of mineralization projects, aiming to scale operations from pilot stages to facilities capable of processing millions of tonnes. Microsoft’s commitment to this long-term collaboration is expected to accelerate Arca’s development efforts.

Dr. Greg Dipple, co-founder and head of science at Arca, highlighted the foundation of their work, stating, “Arca was built on more than 20 years of academic research, dozens of field trials, and collaborations with over 30 mining companies worldwide.” The industrial mineralization process utilizes abundant industrial waste, with billions of tonnes of historical byproducts readily available on Earth’s surface. This method has a minimal environmental footprint, allowing it to be integrated into existing industrial sites with reduced energy, land, and water consumption.

The geological durability of this process provides a long-term solution by permanently removing CO2 for thousands of years, supported by transparent verification and monitoring. Additionally, this approach yields several co-benefits, including reducing environmental risks and transforming waste into valuable assets while boosting local economies.

Paul Needham, CEO of Arca, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “We have a unique opportunity to utilize one form of waste (mine tailings) to neutralize another (excess atmospheric CO2). The result is less waste and a healthier environment.” He noted that the agreement with Microsoft validates industrial mineralization as a scalable and durable pathway that can significantly contribute to global climate goals.

Phil Goodman, director of Microsoft’s carbon dioxide removal program, remarked, “This offtake agreement diversifies Microsoft’s carbon removal efforts by focusing on a pathway that combines scalability and permanence.” He expressed confidence in Arca’s scientific expertise and its demonstrated ability to sequester carbon through its projects, reinforcing Microsoft’s commitment to this multi-year partnership.

For further details on this innovative collaboration, more information can be found at www.ArcaClimate.com. This partnership not only highlights the potential of carbon removal technologies but also underscores the role of collaboration between industry leaders in tackling the pressing challenges of climate change.