DOE issues grants for research on mineral extraction from geothermal brine
Hudson Ranch I, California, U.S. (source: EnergySource)
Francisco Rojas
11 Aug 2014
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been the winner of 2 grants given by the US DOE to research efficient extraction of rare earths and other materials from geothermal brine.
More money has been allocated towards researching more novel and innovative ways of extracting minerals from geothermal brine by the Geothermal Technologies Office, which is part of the US DOE.
According to local news, Doug Hollett, director of the Geothermal Technologies Office said that “investments in leading-edge geothermal technologies are diversifying our nation’s energy portfolio today and could help power our low-carbon future tomorrow”
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been the winner of 2 of the aforementioned grants. One of these grants is focused on the extraction of rare earth metals, which are vital for “many modern electronic devices, including electric vehicle motors and LED lights.” Other rare earth metals, that can be extracted are europium and neodymium, which are in limited supply in the US and play a vital role in key segments of the hi-tech industry. The second grant is aimed at collecting other materials that do not fall into the rare earth category with the end goal of finding new ways to better utilise the geothermal byproduct.
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Source: Tri-City Herald Website
