ENEOS Xplora, Sumitomo Corporation and 44.01 have signed an MOU to develop scalable CO2 mineralisation in igneous rocks, targeting 2030 to pioneer new regional storage solutions and accelerate global decarbonisation efforts.
ENEOS Xplora, Sumitomo Corporation, and 44.01 have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on a demonstration project for carbon mineralization, with a focus on the Middle East. The goal? To develop a process by 2030 that effectively traps CO2 in igneous rock formations, according to Carbon Herald. Basically, this agreement formalizes a step forward, building on existing partnerships, that link Japan’s trading and energy sectors with Gulf-based pilots of 44.01’s technology.
As reported by Carbon Herald, this MOU commits all parties to work together to demonstrate and eventually commercialize CO2 mineralization, both within Japan and internationally. A key target is to validate how well it performs in Middle Eastern settings. The planned demonstration involves injecting carbonated fluids into ultramafic rocks, mainly peridotite, where CO2 reacts with minerals, creating stable carbonates. They believe this could expand the types of geological formations suitable for permanently storing CO2 and increase the quantities that can be handled through mineralization. I mean, it’s pretty interesting, right?
44.01, which is a spin‑out from the UK-based Protostar Group, formed a partnership with Sumitomo back in 2022. Since then, it has concentrated on speeding up the natural mineralization in peridotite, a rock type abundantly found in Japan and the Middle East. Sumitomo’s corporate statement mentions that this alliance aims to scale up 44.01’s approach with the ambitious hope of mineralising one billion tonnes of CO2 by 2040. Industry reports and regional pilots have already positioned the UAE at the heart of that goal.
One of the pilot projects in the UAE really strengthens the case for this new MOU. ADNOC and 44.01 announced plans in November 2024 to expand a project in Fujairah after a successful pilot that converted 10 tonnes of CO2 into rock in just 100 days. ADNOC also mentioned that the first phase of scaling up would involve injecting over 300 tonnes of CO2 to demonstrate how feasible this could be on a bigger, commercial scale in the UAE, working closely with Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation and Masdar. Back in January 2023, ADNOC was reported to be the first Middle Eastern energy company to mineralize CO2 into rocks using 44.01’s method. They see mineralization as a reliable route toward achieving their Net Zero target by 2050.
Other UAE-based pilots demonstrate how this technology could have real industrial applications. For example, Holcim and 44.01 launched a pilot project in Fujairah to capture and mineralize CO2 from cement manufacturing, aiming to capture about five tonnes of CO2 each day and permanently store it underground. Reports indicate that this is the first project to combine CO2 capture directly from a cement plant with in-situ mineralization. It’s positioned as a way for the industry, one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, to meet wider low-carbon goals for the UAE.
44.01 also has a solid track record, given its recognition in global competitions. Its joint initiative with Aircapture, called Project Hajar, secured the XPRIZE Carbon Removal XFACTOR award. That funding has been allocated to expand operations that combine direct air capture with 44.01’s mineralization process in Fujairah. As industry sources mention, Project Hajar employs Aircapture’s technology to capture atmospheric CO2 directly from the air, which 44.01 then mineralizes underground, basically demonstrating a full, end-to-end removal chain in the emirate.
Statements from the companies suggest that mineralization could be a game-changer, complementing other CO2 storage methods. Traditionally, most mineralization demonstrations and large CCS projects have focused on injecting CO2 into porous sedimentary rocks like sandstone. But this new ENEOS–Sumitomo–44.01 MOU explicitly targets igneous formations, hoping to broaden the range of geological options. Advocates say mineralization offers long-term permanence and could reduce the monitoring burden because CO2 turns into an solid carbonate. However, critics warn that we need more data on scalability, energy and water needs, permitting hurdles, and how to verify long-term stability, especially in different settings.
Ignores or not, market assessments highlight both the huge potential and the challenges. A PwC regional report points out that 44.01 is among the leading climate tech companies in the Middle East. It describes their process as capable of mineralizing captured CO2 within just a few months by injecting carbonated fluid into ultramafic rocks. The report sees mineralization as a credible route to create durable carbon removals and tradable credits, but emphasizes that reaching gigatonne-scale removal will require supportive policies, more investment in capture infrastructure, and integration with industrial emitters.
For ENEOS Xplora and Sumitomo, this MOU isn’t just about testing new tech; it’s also a strategic move to tap into regional markets for carbon management. ENEOS Xplora has been building domestic collaborations in Japan, working with organizations like the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security, Kyushu Electric Power, and the Japan Carbon Frontier Organization, to demonstrate CO2 mineralization here at home. Sumitomo, meanwhile, has had an early stake in 44.01, reflecting its broader corporate effort to provide decarbonization services to industry clients.
They’ve set a goal for 2030 to showcase the technology’s performance in the Middle East, a timeline that aligns with the region’s increasing investments in carbon removal and decarbonization efforts. ADNOC’s plans to scale up its project, Holcim’s cement pilot, and Project Hajar all offer operational models. But, of course, moving from pilots of small quantities, think tens or hundreds of tonnes, to full-scale operations will mean dealing with bigger emissions sources, navigating permitting processes across different jurisdictions, and establishing credible life-cycle accounting for regulators and buyers.
This agreement also highlights how the UAE and nearby Gulf countries are becoming key testing grounds for mineralization pathways. If the partners can truly demonstrate that the approach works reliably at scale in peridotite formations, it could unlock significant new storage options beyond traditional sedimentary basins. In essence, the goal is to translate existing pilot successes into a scalable commercial method, one that could support permanent CO2 removal not just in the Middle East but also in Japan, according to statements from Carbon Herald and regional projects.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://carbonherald.com/eneos-sumitomo-and-44-01-partner-on-new-carbon-mineralization-demonstration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=eneos-sumitomo-and-44-01-partner-on-new-carbon-mineralization-demonstration – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2024/adnoc-and-4401-to-scale-up-carbon-to-rock-project-following-successful-pilot – In November 2024, ADNOC and 44.01 announced plans to scale up their carbon-to-rock project in Fujairah, UAE. Following a successful pilot that converted 10 tonnes of CO₂ into rock within 100 days, the first phase of the scale-up aims to inject over 300 tonnes of CO₂ to demonstrate the technology’s potential for commercial deployment in the UAE. The project is in partnership with the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation and Masdar, marking a significant step towards large-scale carbon mineralization in the region.
- https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/europe/news/topics/2022/group/20221110 – In November 2022, Sumitomo Corporation formed a capital and business alliance with UK-based Protostar Group Limited, known as 44.01. The partnership focuses on developing and deploying decarbonisation services, leveraging 44.01’s technology to mineralise CO₂ into peridotite formations. This collaboration aims to contribute to climate change mitigation by offering a permanent solution for CO₂ storage, with operations in Oman and the UAE, and a goal to mineralise one billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040.
- https://www.globalcement.com/news/item/19570-holcim-and-44-01-launch-co-mineralisation-pilot-in-uae – In December 2025, Holcim and 44.01 launched a pilot project in Fujairah, UAE, to mineralise CO₂ captured from cement production. This initiative marks the first global effort to combine CO₂ capture from a cement plant with in-situ mineralisation. The project aims to capture 5 tonnes of CO₂ per day and permanently store it in underground rock formations, supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy and advancing industrial decarbonisation in the cement sector.
- https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/esg/images/future50/docs/PwC-Net-Zero-Future50-Middle-East-Report.pdf – The PwC Net Zero Future50 Middle East Report highlights 44.01 as a leading climate tech company focused on CO₂ mineralisation. The report details 44.01’s technology that accelerates the natural process of CO₂ mineralisation, permanently removing captured CO₂ in less than twelve months. By injecting carbonated fluid into ultramafic rock formations deep underground, 44.01 aims to mineralise one billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040, contributing to global decarbonisation efforts and creating valuable carbon credits.
- https://gulfnews.com/business/energy/adnoc-to-be-first-energy-company-in-middle-east-to-mineralize-co2-into-rocks-1.93260351 – In January 2023, ADNOC became the first energy company in the Middle East to mineralise CO₂ into rocks. The project, located in Fujairah, UAE, employs 44.01’s award-winning carbon capture and mineralisation technology to eliminate CO₂ from the atmosphere. The pilot involves capturing CO₂ from the air, dissolving it in seawater, and injecting it into peridotite formations deep underground, where it mineralises, ensuring permanent storage and supporting ADNOC’s Net Zero by 2050 ambition.
- https://www.cemnet.com/News/story/180424/uae-holcim-launches-co2-mineralisation-pilot-with-44-01.html – In December 2025, Holcim partnered with 44.01 to launch a CO₂ mineralisation pilot in Fujairah, UAE. This project is the first to combine CO₂ captured directly from a cement plant with in-situ mineralisation. The initiative aims to capture 5 tonnes of CO₂ per day from cement production and inject it into suitable underground rock formations, where the gas will mineralise, providing a natural, safe, and permanent form of carbon storage and supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative reports on a recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on December 4, 2025, between ENEOS Xplora, Sumitomo Corporation, and 44.01 to collaborate on a carbon mineralization demonstration project in the Middle East. This MOU was publicly announced on December 22, 2025. ([prtimes.jp](https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000048.000126739.html?utm_source=openai)) The report was published on January 5, 2026, indicating a freshness of approximately 13 days. While this is within a reasonable timeframe, the slight delay may affect the immediacy of the information. ([prtimes.jp](https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000048.000126739.html?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from company representatives, such as Talal Hasan, CEO of 44.01, and mentions specific figures like the goal to mineralize one billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040. These quotes and figures are consistent with previous reports from the companies involved, indicating that the content is original and not recycled. ([sumitomocorp.com](https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/europe/news/topics/2022/group/20221110?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Carbon Herald, a publication that focuses on carbon removal technologies. While it provides detailed information, the publication is not as widely recognized as major news outlets, which may affect the perceived reliability. ([sumitomocorp.com](https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/europe/news/topics/2022/group/20221110?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims made in the report align with known developments in the field of CO₂ mineralization. For instance, Sumitomo Corporation’s previous partnership with 44.01 in 2022 to develop decarbonization services is well-documented. ([sumitomocorp.com](https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/europe/news/topics/2022/group/20221110?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 supports the plausibility of such initiatives. ([adnoc.ae](https://adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2024/adnoc-and-4401-to-scale-up-carbon-torock-project-following-successful-pilot?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative provides timely and original information about a recent MOU between ENEOS Xplora, Sumitomo Corporation, and 44.01 for a carbon mineralization project. While the source is less widely recognized, the content is consistent with known developments in the field, and the claims made are plausible and supported by previous reports. The slight delay in publication may affect the immediacy of the information, but overall, the report appears credible.
