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DOE OSTI · 3656017

Enhanced Recovery of Critical Minerals and Geological Hydrogen in The Mine of the Future

Yan, Keju·Stanfield, Charles H.·Polites, Ellen G.·Lahiri, Nabajit (ORCID:0000000311372240)·Teng, Yuntian·Chopra, Harshvardhan (ORCID:000900024129284X)·Lopez Rivera, Nora V.·Bagwell, Christopher E.·Motkuri, Radha K. (ORCID:0000000220794798)·Miller, Quin R. (ORCID:0000000330099702)·Schaef, Herbert T. (ORCID:0000000245463979)
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Abstract

invited perspective article: The rapid demand for critical minerals (CMs) and hydrogen (H2) necessitates innovative solutions beyond conventional mining. This study explores enhanced mineral recovery (EMR) and geological hydrogen production (GeoH2) by leveraging the Earth’s subsurface as a reactive platform. Using ultramafic rocks and engineered fluids, the approach simultaneously mobilizes critical resources and produces H2 through natural processes like serpentinization. This paradigm offers a transformative pathway to secure essential materials and diversify energy resources, setting a foundation for the Terrestrial Mine of the Future

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Yan, Keju, Stanfield, Charles H., Polites, Ellen G., Lahiri, Nabajit (ORCID:0000000311372240), Teng, Yuntian, Chopra, Harshvardhan (ORCID:000900024129284X), Lopez Rivera, Nora V., Bagwell, Christopher E., Motkuri, Radha K. (ORCID:0000000220794798), Miller, Quin R. (ORCID:0000000330099702), Schaef, Herbert T. (ORCID:0000000245463979). 2026-02-26. Enhanced Recovery of Critical Minerals and Geological Hydrogen in The Mine of the Future. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssusresmgt.5c00580

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