This article presents the main results of the Carmex project (2009-2012), whose purpose was to review the feasibility of ex-situ mineral carbonation in terms of resource availability, performance of the aqueous mineral carbonation process and life cycle analysis criteria. This collaborative project looked at a wide range of generic issues about this CO2 mitigation option, with particular views on assessing its potential in the context of New-Caledonia. Indeed, insularity and local abundance of 'carbonatable' rocks and industrial wastes (i.e. rich in MgO, CaO, if not Fe(II)O), coupled with significant GHG emissions from first-class nickel pyrometallurgical industries, make it a potential candidate for application of ex-situ mineral carbonation. The project conducted a worldwide analysis of the potential of ex-situ mineral carbonation using a dedicated SIG-based tool. Using a variety of materials the project also reviewed a number of critical issues associated with the aqueous mineral carbonatation process itself, with promising perspectives. Finally, through life cycle analysis of the system as a whole, ex-situ mineral carbonation was compared to mainstream CSC solutions. It was concluded that the viability of this CO2 storage option is located at the level of the process itself and lies with the optimisation of its operating conditions
