Numerical simulations enable us to couple multiphase flow and geochemical processes to evaluate how sequestration impacts brine chemistry and reservoir properties. This study investigates these impacts during CO₂ storage at the San Juan Basin CarbonSAFE (SJB) site. The hydrodynamic model was calibrated through history-matching, utilizing data from saltwater disposal wells to improve predictive accuracy. Core-scale simulations incorporating mineral interactions and equilibrium reactions validated the model against laboratory flow-through experiments. The calibrated geochemical model was subsequently upscaled into a field-scale 3D model of the SJB site to predict how mineral precipitation and dissolution affect reservoir properties. The results indicate that the majority of the injected CO₂ is trapped structurally, followed by residual trapping and dissolution trapping; mineral trapping was found to be negligible in this study. Although quartz and calcite precipitation occurred, the dissolution of feldspars, phyllosilicates, and clay minerals counteracted these effects, resulting in a minimal reduction in porosity—less than 0.1%. The concentration of the various ions in the brine is directly influenced by dissolution/precipitation trends. This study provides valuable insights into CO₂ sequestration’s effects on reservoir fluid dynamics, mineralogy, and rock properties in the San Juan Basin. It highlights the importance of reservoir simulation in assessing long-term CO₂ storage effectiveness, particularly focusing on geochemical interactions.

Basalt and granite offer complementary opportunities for geological CO₂ storage where conventional sedimentary reservoirs are limited or permanent mineral trapping and geothermal integration are priorities. This review examines how mineralogy, pore and fracture architecture and fluid-rock reactions control storage performance in these crystalline reservoirs. Basalt contains reactive olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase and volcanic glass that release Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Fe²⁺, supporting carbonate precipitation. Field projects including CarbFix and Wallula demonstrate its potential for rapid mineralization. Granite is less reactive and has low primary porosity, making storage dependent largely on natural or engineered fractures. Feldspar alteration and integration with Enhanced Geothermal Systems may nevertheless support combined CO₂ storage and heat extraction. In both lithologies, dissolution and secondary precipitation modify porosity, permeability and injectivity, creating a tradeoff between mineral trapping and sustained fluid flow. Laboratory experiments, field demonstrations and reactive transport models are evaluated to identify the principal controls on mineralization and reservoir performance. Key research needs include improved laboratory-to-field scaling, coupled hydrochemical and geomechanical modeling and dedicated granite field validation. Basalt and granite should therefore be considered complementary components of a diversified geological carbon storage portfolio.

Basalt and granite offer complementary opportunities for geological CO₂ storage where conventional sedimentary reservoirs are limited or permanent mineral trapping and geothermal integration are priorities. This review examines how mineralogy, pore and fracture architecture and fluid–rock reactions control storage performance in these crystalline reservoirs. Basalt contains reactive olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase and volcanic glass that release Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Fe²⁺, supporting carbonate precipitation. Field projects including CarbFix and Wallula demonstrate its potential for rapid mineralization. Granite is less reactive and has low primary porosity, making storage largely dependent on natural or engineered fractures. Feldspar alteration and integration with Enhanced Geothermal Systems may nevertheless support combined CO₂ storage and heat extraction. In both lithologies, dissolution and secondary precipitation modify porosity, permeability and injectivity, creating a tradeoff between mineral trapping and sustained fluid flow. Laboratory experiments, field demonstrations and reactive transport models are evaluated to identify the principal controls on mineralization and reservoir performance. Key research needs include improved laboratory-to-field scaling, coupled hydrochemical and geomechanical modeling and dedicated granite field validation. Basalt and granite should therefore be considered complementary components of a diversified geological carbon storage portfolio.