BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA (By Steve Stewart, Energy Analytics Institute, 15.Jul.2025, Words: 274) — North Carolina-based Sunrock Industries, announced a groundbreaking carbon removal partnership using enhanced rock weathering technology, deployed in partnership with Lithos Carbon.
The initiative utilizes basalt fines from Sunrock’s Butner Quarry to permanently capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere while simultaneously supporting agricultural productivity and improving soil health for local farmers.
This marks the first deployment of the technology in the state, positioning North Carolina at the forefront of innovative and globally meaningful climate solutions, Sunrock, a construction materials company, said on 15 Jul. 2025 in an official statement.
Basalt fines — finely crushed material produced during Sunrock’s quarrying operations — contain minerals that naturally absorb and sequester carbon dioxide. When spread across farmland, the rock particles interact with moisture and atmospheric carbon to initiate mineral weathering — an accelerated version of a natural process the Earth has used for billions of years to manage carbon levels.
“Our Butner quarry is the only pure basalt quarry that is rail-served from Manassas, Virginia, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico,” Sunrock VP of corporate business development Alex Culpepper said in the statement. “What began as an exploration two years ago has evolved into an exciting climate solution that also creates economic opportunities for local farmers. The basalt produced here is rich in minerals ideal for carbon sequestration and provides valuable nutrients for agriculture. This project is a win for the climate, a win for farmers, and a win for North Carolina.”
For farmers, the benefits extend beyond carbon capture revenue. The basalt fines from Butner Quarry contain significant quantities of essential crop nutrients, including phosphorus, and various micronutrients like zinc, iron, and boron. The material, which looks and feels similar to agricultural limestone, can be applied using standard spreading equipment and provides a slow-release source of nutrients that promotes soil regeneration and enhances crop performance.
The Sunrock-Lithos partnership demonstrates how traditional industries can play a significant role in developing climate solutions while creating new value streams. As enhanced rock weathering technology gains momentum, the Butner Quarry is positioned to become a crucial supplier for carbon removal projects throughout the region, according to Sunrock.
____________________
By Steve Stewart reporting from Baton Rouge. © 2025 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
