Mineral Extraction from Geothermal Reservoirs: A Case Study from Western Anatolia

Abstract

Geothermal fluid is a promising source for sustainable and environmentally friendly mineral extraction, containing a variety of valuable minerals, such as silica, lithium, strontium, and rare earth elements. However, the low mineral concentrations in the brine present a significant challenge, requiring large volumes of brine to be processed. This study investigates the potential of mineral extraction from geothermal reservoirs, using a case study of reserve estimation in a geothermal field to demonstrate the application of Monte Carlo simulation, a stochastic approach used to handle uncertain parameters with critical effects on reserve estimation. A review and evaluation of mineral extraction methods is then presented, highlighting their challenges, advantages, and techno-economic perspectives. The study found that mineral extraction from geothermal reservoirs is economically viable, although more research and development is needed to overcome the challenges associated with this process.