| Abstract |
The commercial extraction of minerals from geothermal fluids is not a novelty, although there appear to be no current commercial activities. Products which have been commercially recovered from geothermal fluids include NaC1, CaC12, H3BO3, and NH3. Sites of significant commercial activity include Larderllo, Italy and the Imperial Valley in California. Furthermore, a few pilot plant systems have been tested of this purpose. Commercial recovery from natural non-geothermal brines has a long history which may have implications for geothermal energy applications. The technical feasibility and economic benefits of large sale minerals production in convection with geothermal energy exploitation remain speculative. In any case, the uncertainties can be resolved only on a site and product specific basis. |