CRM recovery from brines. BrineRIS resource mapping and innovative technologies
“CRM recovery from brines. BrineRIS resource mapping and innovative technologies” workshop was held on March 12-13, 2024, in Barcelona as a part of the capacity-building activities of the BrineRIS project. The meeting brought together scientists, researchers and experts from different countries affiliated with the BrineRIS project, focusing on exchanging knowledge and information about geothermal brine resources and lithium recovery methods. Maria Jose Jurado Rodriguez and the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) played the host role.
The workshop program included presentations on the current status of the BrineRIS project and new data on brines and CRM-rich fluids mapping in RIS countries, including Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Spain and Portugal. The first day of the workshop was dedicated to the project partners, who provided participants with fresh knowledge of the project’s results. Participants also learned about new data on mapping brines and CRM-rich fluids in RIS countries through presentations by Norbert Nemeth of Miskolc University and Maria Jose Jurado of GEO3BCN-CSIC.
Participants also had the opportunity to discuss CRM recovery technologies, such as lithium, and the potential of geothermal water as a heat source and extraction processes. This part began with a talk by Junhua Xu on insights into the Geological Survey of Finland’s approach to extracting lithium from brines. Adrian Delgado of CMET, UGent, presented advances in electrochemical methods of lithium recovery, focusing on innovative approaches to improve the efficiency and sustainability of CRM extraction from geothermal brines. Timm Wunderlich from TU Bergakademie Freiberg discussed geothermal potential as a heat source and its potential for integration into CRM recovery processes, highlighting its role in sustainable development. Simon Stier of the European Lithium Institute (eLi) presented the development of a CRM resource data platform and methods for mapping geothermal potential.
After intensive scientific sessions that day, a meeting of BrineRIS project members was also held, which provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the project’s progress and plan future activities.
On the second day, experts from various institutions shared their research and experiences on geothermal resources in Catalonia, Spain, and Portugal. Dr. Ignasi Herms presented the potential and historical perspective of geothermal resources in Catalonia, highlighting their importance for the future development of geothermal energy production and CRM recovery. Dr Cristina de Santiago of CSIC-IGME and Dr Elsa Ramalho of LNEG extended the discussion to mapping geothermal and CRM resources in Spain and Portugal, offering insights into historical research and plans. Dr Ewa Knapik, the ComphLithium project manager, presented research on the use of 3D-printed aluminium adsorbents for selective lithium extraction, and Dr Saúl Norniella Llaneza shared practical experiences from geothermal exploitation in Asturias, which together revealed a wealth of knowledge and innovation focused on geothermal resource utilisation and CRM recovery.
“The workshop in Barcelona made it possible to introduce knowledge of the geological conditions under which geothermal resources are found in the Catalonia area. Discussing how to map these resources and the experience in this area presented by Maria Jose Jurado, Dr Saul Norniella Llanez, and Dr Elsa Ramalho helped me understand the issue. An additional valuable experience was a field trip to the town of Caldes de Montbui, where the history and future of the geothermal resources extraction meet.” – Kamil Gromnicki from WUST shares his impressions of the workshop.
The workshop culminated with a field trip to Caldes de Montbui and surrounding geothermal locations, coordinated by the Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia and the municipality of Caldes de Montbui. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the geology of geothermal systems in Catalonia, including a historical perspective and insights into new European projects underway in the region.
Izabela Kowalewska was one of the visitors on site. “During a workshop organised by the BrineRIS project, I had the opportunity to join a field trip to Caldes de Montbui. This experience significantly enriched my understanding of the area’s geology and historical context. It was truly captivating to learn about the ancient utilisation of hot springs, which we are now interested in for extracting critical elements such as lithium. Sharing insights and knowledge with other participants while exploring the site expanded my perspectives and highlighted additional topics I could delve into throughout my academic career. I am deeply thankful for the chance to participate in such an enlightening event.” – Izabela highlighted.
Some participants also took part in a pre-workshop excursion in Sierra Almagrera. Participants toured the old Sierra Almagrera mining area to learn about its geology and history. They also visited the site where CSIC conducted brine sampling and the Cuevas de Almanzora castle.
The BrineRIS meeting in Barcelona provided a key platform for project participants to share the latest knowledge and achievements related to the recovery of critical minerals (CRM) from geothermal brines. Sessions were focused on presenting current research results and intensive discussions on the project’s future directions, underscoring its dynamic nature and importance for the sustainable use of geothermal resources. A huge thank you goes to the organisers from CSIC, especially Maria Jose Jurado.
Photos from the workshop
Photos from the field trip
Presentations from the worksop
Coming soon…🔋
Professional Development Workshop on Critical Raw Materials in Thermal Waters: Analysis and Assessment”
On March 29th the mid-term BrineRIS project meeting took place in Miskolc, Hungary. Consortium partners summed-up the first year of activity and discussed the project’s challenges and plans for 2023. Special guest at the meeting was Imre Gombkötó from EIT RawMeterials. Thank you to everyone who attended this meeting both in person and online. See you soon in Freiberg!
A big THANK YOU goes to the team of University of Miskolc for organizing the event and warm hosting of the participants.
#EITRawMaterials #BrineRIS #Politechnika Wrocławska #metalrecovery #lithium #geothermal #brines #lowcarbon #carboneutral #criticalmetals #rawmaterials #batterymetals #hotbrines
Photos from the workshop
Photos from the field trip
Presentations from the worksop
The professional training on “Renewable Energy Recovery from Geothermal Resources”
Workshops ‘Renewable Energy Recovery from Geothermal Resources’ took place in Freiberg on May 10th -11th. It was dedicated to project partners, but the hybrid formula makes the participation of everyone interested in online sessions possible. The training aimed to provide participants with a general overview and understanding of geothermal energy, particularly the use and distribution of this renewable energy source. Importantly, no prior knowledge of these systems’ technical elements and functionality was required to attend this training. This was a great opportunity to expand knowledge.
Photos from the workshop
Photos from the field trip
