Extraction / Critical Metals / Water Stewardship
Mining for copper has traditionally required the use of explosives to blast rock, extensive crushing and milling of the rock to a fine powder, and separation of the valuable ore from the waste rock. The mining process requires large amounts of energy and water, and has significant negative environmental impacts on local populations. Yet demand for copper is predicted to increase significantly to supply the energy transition. New sources of copper, that can be mined with lower negative environmental impacts, are urgently required. We are investigating whether it may be possible to extract copper (and other critical metals) directly from copper-rich fluids in the Earth’s crust, using extraction methods that offer considerably lower environmental impacts, and significantly reduced energy and water consumption, compared to conventional mining technologies.
The metal resource we will target comprises very salty brines formed in the shallower parts of active volcanic and magmatic systems (depths of order a few km, similar to many oilfield developments). The brines will be produced via boreholes, the metals will be extracted at surface and the waste brine re-injected into the source reservoir. The hot brines could be used as a source of geothermal energy to power production operations, and any excess energy (electrical or heat) could be provided to local populations.
This project’s vision is to advance self-powered mines with a small surface footprint, comprising well heads on a small number of well sites, supplying a surface separation plant, with minimal negative impact on local populations and the potential to have a positive impact through (i) provision of surplus cheap or low cost electrical and heat energy, and (ii) the restoration or preservation of natural habitats that could include recreational use.
