Life Cycle Analysis and Carbon Footprint of Sustainable Bricks Made from Drill Cuttings in Tamaulipas

Deepwater hydrocarbon exploration generates significant volumes of drilling cuttings, which traditionally represent a heavy logistical burden and a severe environmental risk regarding final disposal. However, their specific mineralogical composition and physical properties enable their effective integration as secondary raw materials in the manufacturing of ecological bricks and blocks for the construction sector. This research evaluates the environmental sustainability of producing alternative construction materials derived from drill cuttings recovered directly from the Trion field in the Gulf of Mexico. Following the standardized guidelines of ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment was conducted under a cradle to gate approach based on a functional unit of one metric ton of finished masonry. Unlike traditional ceramic processes that rely on high temperature thermal firing, this proposal incorporates a zero emission solar drying technique. Two distinct logistical supply routes to the state of Tamaulipas were thoroughly analyzed: the Port of Matamoros and the Altamira Industrial Corridor. The results reveal that the total carbon footprint ranges between 7.17 and 8.17 kg CO₂-eq per ton. These findings highlight that maritime transportation optimization is the critical determining factor ensuring the environmental viability of this circular economy initiative, successfully minimizing both greenhouse gas emissions and local quarry extraction pressures.