Technologies for Extracting Valuable Metals and Compounds from Geothermal Fluids
Summary
SCH Number
2011069002
Lead Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Technologies for Extracting Valuable Metals and Compounds from Geothermal Fluids
Document Type
NOD - Notice of Determination
Received
Posted
6/3/2011
Document Description
The project has several objectives: 1) to develop and validate improved lithium extraction technologies; 2) to develop processes to transform the extracted materials into saleable products, and 3) to develop technology for cost-effective extraction of additional materials (manganese, zinc, boron, potassium, cesium and rubidium) from U.S. geothermal brines of varying salinity. To accomplish this, the project must first demonstrate a technique for managing silica and reducing scaling in equipment and piping, and Simbol must acquire and confirm an agreement with a geothermal generator for a field scale demonstration. As Simbol points out, the brines of the Salton Sea in CA, a major geothermal resource area, are particularly rich in the minerals of interest. It would be a significant benefit to CA if successful extraction processes could be developed and demonstrated in the Salton Sea area. Other geothermal fields in CA do not have the same hypersaline chemistry that the Salton Sea does, making this area the prime choice for such a demonstration.
Cal Energy has confirmed to staff that they have an access agreement with Simbol for the field scale pilot demonstration plant to be constructed at Cal Energy's Elmore field.
Contact Information
Name
John Hingtgen
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Brawley
Counties
Imperial
Notice of Determination
Approving Agency
CA Energy Commission
Approving Agency Role
Responsible Agency
Approved On
Determinations
(1) The project will have a significant impact on the environment
No
(2a) An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
(2b) A Mitigated or a Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
Yes
(2c) An other document type was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
(3) Mitigated measures were made a condition of the approval of the project
Yes
(4) A mitigation reporting or monitoring plan was adopted for this project
N/A
(5) A Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this project
No
(6) Findings were made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.