Sustainable Recovery of Critical Raw Materials From Geothermal Igneous Systems: Geochemical, Mineralogical, and Techno-Economic Insights from the Dikili-Bergama Field (Western Anatolia, Turkiye)

Abstract

The sustainable co-extraction of critical raw materials (CRMs) with renewable geothermal energy offers a dual pathway to support the circular economy and low-carbon transition. In this study, an integrated geochemical and mineralogical approach is used to comprehensively assess the recoverable lithium (Li) boron (B), strontium (Sr) and other critical raw materials in the geothermal reservoirs of the Dikili-Bergama region Turkiye. A geochemical analysis was carried out by systematic sampling and multi-element testing of geothermal water and reservoir rock. Hydrogeochemical studies of the geothermal fluids indicated the presence of remarkable concentrations of B (4.6 ppm), Sr (2.8 ppm) and Li (1.2 ppm), suggesting the possibility of active leaching processes in the deposit. Mineralogical studies using X-ray diffraction (XRD) have revealed a number of secondary mineral phases, such as quartz and labradorite, indicating the interaction between water and rock. These interactions affect not only the permeability and porosity of the deposit, but also the mobilization and precipitation of CRMs. A techno-economic analysis will be used to identify potential synergies that could improve the economic feasibility of geothermal projects in the region. The Monte Carlo simulation has shown that the Dikili-Bergama geothermal reservoirs have a potential of similar to 712 tons of Li. In this study, the CRM potential that emerged during the geothermal energy exploitation process in the region was calculated. The temporality and the process of obtaining are completely related to the extraction technology. This offers the dual benefit of renewable energy and strategic mineral extraction, contributing to sustainable resource management in volcanic environments.