EOI: Feasibility study on mineral extraction from geothermal brine, KenGen
Geothermal well, Olkaria/ Kenya (source: Scientific Drilling International)
Alexander Richter
30 Nov 2016
KenGen has issued a call for Expressions of Interest for consultancy services and implementation of mineral extraction technology from geothermal brine at its Olkaria geothermal field in Kenya.
Like other geothermal companies these days, Kenya’s Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is also eyeing the sale of valuable minerals such as silica and lithium from geothermal fluids.
KenGen has announced a variety of strategies lately to diversify its revenue streams. The company is now seeking a consultant to assess the feasibility of extracting minerals from hot brines.
In a statement to Business Daily Africa, KenGen Managing Director Alberg Mugo, said that KenGen is turning to innovation to exploit minerals and “wants an expert to establish the technical and financial viability of this project.”
It is currently too early to name timelines or expected capital commitments, but if feasible KenGen wants to go ahead.
With the geothermal field of Olkaria covering around 20,400 hectares, there are hopes that minerals can be extracted. “The consultant will carry out field testing and other studies necessary of the geothermal fluids in Olkaria geothermal field to establish the actual available quantity of the minerals and viability of the mineral extraction project.” KenGen says in its tender documents.
Studies in the U.S. have show that minerals such as lithium, mangane, zinc and silica are found in geothermal brine and can be commercially extracted.
The mineral content of the brine in the geothermal field is describe as having 600-800 mg of silica per kg of fluid and 1.5 to 2 mg per kg of lithium in its geothermal brine.
Details about the tender can be found here: http://tendersoko.com/tender/6951
Deadline is January 20, 2017.
Source: Business Daily Africa
