Laboratory leaching tests to investigate mobilisation of metals within engineered geothermal reservoirs

Abstract

Combining geothermal energy utilization with the extraction of metals in a single interlinked process offers a way to improve the economics of engineered geothermal systems. Here we describe laboratory experiments used to assess the effectiveness of a range of leaching fluids by quantifying metal release from various mineralised rocks. The main findings of this study include: enhanced mobilisation of metals typically found in sulphide minerals (Pb, Zn, Cu), lesser mobilisation of some critical elements (such as Co, Sr and W), and the efficacy of organic additives in mobilising metals.