| Project Detail |
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) will advance state-of-the-art of integrated reservoir stimulation and sensing technology for enhanced in-situ mining (ISM) and carbon mineralization. This project will use disruptive electro-hydraulic fracturing to increase permeability of intact ore bodies, expanding the accessibility of CO2-charged fluid to carbonation-target minerals and dispersed energy-relevant minerals. It will also use cost-effective distributed fiber-optic sensing for quantifying permeability enhancement, flow characterization, degree of carbonation, and detecting potential CO2 leakage pathways. This technology is unique in its ability to transform permeability-deficient low-grade ore bodies into a cost-effective and carbon-negative ISM with integrated scope for carbon mineralization from a costly and high-carbon footprint underground open-pit mining. The proposed joint ISM and carbonation concept can provide up to 80% recovery of targeted critical minerals and mineralize up to 60% CO2 used in its operation.
Potential Impact:
The MINER program aims to use the reactive potential of CO2-reactive ore materials to decrease mineral processing energy and increase the yield of energy-relevant minerals via novel negative emission technologies. |
