| Abstract |
This paper conducts a preliminary analysis on the possibility of developing a geothermal resource, for the purpose of using geothermal water as a source of water supply for mines. It presents a general concept and is not represented as being applicable to any particular project. The intent of the paper is to identify a range of approaches to geothermal development that may be possible focusing on the occurrence of these systems in the Altiplano Region of South America. In addition, the paper explores how these different approaches may deliver useful synergies given the demand for both water and power in the region. The co-location of geothermal and mining development activities in this region and the potential synergy between the two industries highlights an opportunity that warrants further evaluation. In this paper, we have assessed the potential for water production in conjunction with geothermal power development across five representative scenarios, considering a typical high temperature geothermal system in the Altiplano. Investigations seek to identify how the technical differences between these may affect the viability of a development in the context of a commercial operation for power and/or water production in the area of interest. We identify indicative developer requirements in terms of exploration investment (prior to investment decision), capital expenditure and operating expenditure necessary to deliver water, power and a combination of water and power, for five different scenarios. The investments or projects have been sized on the ability to deliver around 500 litres per second (l/s) of water. Importantly, any water produced from the geothermal resource is made available at the geothermal field. Additionally, water production in the combined case means the cessation of any reinjection of geothermal fluid instead the fluid is made available at the geothermal field. Injection is an area for further evaluation under site specific technical viability assessment and also for evidencing that the developer is approaching responsible and ?sustainable? management practices. While the conventional philosophy in geothermal energy development is to target the high temperature resource, which is often situated in areas of rugged and high relief, our financial analyses demonstrates that by accessing the lower enthalpy part of geothermal systems, electricity production using binary technology alongside practical utilization of the geothermal brine can deliver a comparable return on investment to the planned higher enthalpy target. |