Dark Earth Carbon

About Us

Dark Earth Carbon is a company focused on combating climate change by producing biochar, a stable, carbon-rich material. The company’s core mission is to return atmospheric carbon to the soil where it can improve land fertility and agricultural productivity.

Business Model and Operations

Dark Earth Carbon operates in Tanzania and is scaling its operations across East Africa. Their business model is centered on a unique approach that combines environmental sustainability with social and economic benefits for local communities.

• Biochar Production: The company uses rotary kiln pyrolysis technology to transform agricultural waste, such as crop residues, into biochar. Pyrolysis is a process of heating biomass in a low-oxygen environment. This process locks the carbon from the biomass into the biochar, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere as CO₂.
• Carbon Credits: The biochar production and application process generates certified carbon credits. These credits are sold in the global carbon market to companies and individuals looking to offset their emissions. Each credit represents a verified metric ton of CO₂ that has been removed from the atmosphere.
• Support for Smallholder Farmers: Dark Earth Carbon works directly with smallholder farmers in Tanzania. They purchase agricultural waste, which provides an additional income stream for the farmers. The resulting biochar is then applied to the soil, which helps to restore soil fertility, increase drought resistance, and improve crop yields. This a key part of their social impact strategy, as it enhances food security and strengthens the livelihoods of local communities.

Impact and Vision

Dark Earth Carbon’s work has a dual impact:

• Environmental Impact: It directly contributes to carbon sequestration by storing carbon in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years. It also helps to reduce the common practice of burning agricultural waste, which releases greenhouse gases.
• Social Impact: By working with local farmers, the company creates a sustainable economic ecosystem. This approach addresses the issue of poor soil nutrient density in many parts of tropical Africa, a major challenge for food production.

The company’s vision is a world where carbon markets are transparent and integrated into everyday life, and where carbon is returned to the soil to enhance livelihoods. Dark Earth Carbon has a project currently operating in Mafinga, Tanzania, with a second facility under construction in Kigoma. They are seeking to expand their modular production model to meet the rising global demand for carbon removal.