CHPM2030 Project - Combined Heat, Power and Metal Extraction from Ultra-Deep Ore Bodies

Geothermal Energy and Its Potential for Critical Metal Extraction—A Review

“…The optimal geological substrates for the concomitant production of geothermal energy and critical elements are predominantly high-temperature, metal-bearing formations. Excluding volcanic regions, these formations are generally situated at depths exceeding 4 km [41]. Within the framework of the CHPM project, European deposits were taxonomically categorized into distinct metallogenic domains, corroborating the strong correlation between such deposits and their underlying tectonic environments [41,125] In the strategic planning of Potential Exploitable Geothermal Systems (PEGSs), it is imperative to consider both the metal concentration within the ore bodies and the mineralogical phases.…”

“…Excluding volcanic regions, these formations are generally situated at depths exceeding 4 km [41]. Within the framework of the CHPM project, European deposits were taxonomically categorized into distinct metallogenic domains, corroborating the strong correlation between such deposits and their underlying tectonic environments [41,125] In the strategic planning of Potential Exploitable Geothermal Systems (PEGSs), it is imperative to consider both the metal concentration within the ore bodies and the mineralogical phases. These factors collectively dictate the methodologies deployed for metal mobilization and subsequent extraction.…”

“…This is achieved through an intricate in 'leaching' petrothermal Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS), employed in ultrametal-rich geological formations. The metals are leached in situ and transported t surface in a fluidic form, obviating the need for large-scale solid rock transporta CHPM2030 aims to deliver proof of concept for the technological and economic feasi of this innovative approach, offering a new kind of geothermal facility that turns th treme content of dissolved metals and high temperatures into an advantage [41]. Su approach offers multiple benefits: it eliminates the need for deep mine access, rep traditional excavation with in situ chemical leaching, and mitigates labor standards cerns.…”

“…This allows for a synergistic co-production of both energy and metals, with adaptive potential to respond to fluctuating market demands. Natural conduits of hydraulically conductive, metallic mineral veins serve as novel 'heat-exchanger surfaces' in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), designed to exploit the dual benefits of geothermal heat and ore potential at depths exceeding 4 km [41].…”

Geothermal Energy and Beyond—A Review

“…In combination, audiomagnetotelluric (AMT) and broadband magnetotelluric (BBMT) data explore a depth range from a few tens of meters down to a few tens of kilometres or more. This makes MT methods particularly suitable for investigating deep-seated (500-4000 m) mineral deposits [32]. This is because metallic ore mineralisations have low electric resistivities: most metallic ore minerals are electronic semiconductors and have resistivities around or below 1 ∧m.…”