Minerals recovery from Salton Sea geothermal brines: a literature review and proposed cementation process

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Geothermics; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0375-6505(82)90031-1· OSTI ID:6028382

Maimoni, A

The potential for minerals recovery from a 1000-MWe combined geothermal power and minerals recovery plant in the Salton Sea is examined. While the possible value of minerals recovered would substantially exceed the revenue from power production, information is insufficient to carry out a detailed economic analysis. The recovery of precious metals - silver, gold and platinum - is the most important factor in determining the economics of a minerals recovery plant. However, the precious metal content of the brines is not certain. Such a power plant could recover 14 to 31% of the US demand for manganese and substantial amounts of zinc and lead. Previous work on minerals extraction from Salton Sea brines is reviewed and a new process, based on a fluidized-bed cementation reaction with metallic iron, is proposed. This process would recover the precious metals, lead and tin present in the brines.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6028382
• Journal Information: Geothermics; (United States), Journal Name: Geothermics; (United States) Vol. 11:4; ISSN GTMCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150700* -- Geothermal Energy-- Products & By-Products
BRINES
BY-PRODUCTS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDIZED BED
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
GOLD
LEAD
MANAGEMENT
MANGANESE
MATERIALS RECOVERY
METALS
MINERALS
PLATINUM
PLATINUM METALS
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
SALTON SEA GEOTHERMAL FIELD
SILVER
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
ZINC