The method essentially speeds up the natural process of silicate weathering. In this process, CO2 in the atmosphere dissolves in rainwater to form a weak acid. This reacts with common minerals in rocks called silicates, breaking them down into other compounds such as bicarbonate ions (HCO3–), which flow into the ocean and stably store carbon for thousands of years.
Although the carbonation process took weeks to months to occur, it was still thousands of times quicker than natural processes.
If I understand this correctly, it sounds like a terrible idea because this method speeds up a natural process and sees the ocean as a sort of a stable dumpster. If I got this wrong, please let me know.
Btw:
The fossil fuel industry promotes solutions such as carbon capture and storage, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, and renewable natural gas, which critics argue are far more focused on preserving industry profits than significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The tactics they use include funding university research that skews public discourse and policymaking in the direction of their preferred solutions. They have hired management consultancies to conduct skewed analysis supporting those solutions and funded lobbyists, and advertising and public relations firms to promote them.