The evolution of global energy systems toward renewable and clean energy technologies, as well as the continued electrification of many industry sectors, particularly transportation, are creating significant new demand for helium, lithium, and trace metals. This session will explore the global resource base of these elements and the current and emerging technologies to extract these resources.
Gas field produced water has traditionally posed significant challenges for oil and gas enterprises due to its complex chemical composition, stringent environmental protection requirements, and lack of effective utilization channels. The surging demand for lithium carbonate, driven by the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle market, has shifted the focus to the development of lithium recovery technologies from produced water, making it a key area of research in resource utilization. This work established a systematic research framework for the optimization of the pretreatment process, the screening of the lithium extraction process efficiency, and the selection of adsorbent materials based on the low-grade lithium-containing characteristic (with lithium mass concentrations below 50 mg/L) of the gas field produced water in Changqing Jingbian. The synergistic pretreatment of flocculation precipitation and ozone catalytic oxidation demonstrated remarkable efficacy, achieving a turbidity removal rate of over 90% and a COD reduction of 43%. Although the screening results of lithium extraction processes exhibited that the electrochemical lithium extraction process had a low lithium recovery rate and suffered from side reactions and instability, the manganese-based adsorbent coupled with multistage membrane separation and concentration process could stably achieve a lithium recovery rate of over 80%, demonstrating that the adsorption method for lithium extraction possesses significant technical superiority. Based on the promising laboratory research results, an integrated sled mounted device with a processing capacity of 200 L/h was deployed for on-site testing. The average lithium-ion adsorption recovery rate reached 81%, and the purity of the lithium carbonate product reached 99.2%, surpassing the requirements of the GB 11075-2013 Grade 0 standard requirements. This study innovatively established a comprehensive processes system for lithium extraction from low-grade lithium-containing gas field produced water, achieving three significant technological breakthroughs: optimization of complex produced water pretreatment process, development of high-performance manganese-based adsorbents, and the successful integration of skid-mounted equipment. These advancements provide both theoretical support and practical guidance for the large-scale development of lithium resources from gas field produced water, paving the way for sustainable resource utilization and environmental protection in the oil and gas industry.
Co-author/s:
Jialin Wang, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield.
Co-author/s:
Jialin Wang, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield.
QatarEnergy LNG facilities commissioned in 1996 without Helium Recovery Unit (HeRU). The first HeRU, commissioned in 2005, was designed to produce 700 MMSCF/year of Helium (He), with crude He feed sourced from eight LNG trains. However, early operations were constrained by insufficient feed, frequent freezing in the upgrader, and liquefaction capacity limitations. A milestone test in 2008 met throughput and purity requirements, production was exceeding the base design by 7%. However, the demonstration was just 24 hours long, failing short of the required 72-hours contractor performance guarantee. During the first six years of operation, HeRU-1 struggled to achieve consistent performance. Production remained limited to approximately 75% due to major concerns such as loading constraints, frequent turbine trip, PSA valve mismatch, limited liquefaction capacity and inefficiencies in the vapor recovery system. In 2011, an enhancement project was initiated, enabling the unit to momentarily reach design capacity. Nevertheless, sustainability remained difficult due to helium loading recovery limitation. Subsequence continuous improvement efforts addressed these challenges more effectively. Key initiatives included: i) Optimizing the helium container loading procedure ii) Trouble shooting and stabilizing PSA valve operation iii) Improving He recovery by control logic modification to Expanders-1/2, Cold Adsorbers and storage tanks connection iv) Extending the liquefier adsorber cycle times from 35 to 190 hrs v) Maximizing crude He feed, especially during winter peak production. As a result, HeRU-1 has now achieved sustained operation at the design capacity, and even reached above 4% during peak winter LNG production. This hard-won improvement shared as lesson learned for the second HeRU-2 design, which was successfully started up in 2014 and achieving guaranteed performance. This paper presents the technical journey, operational learning, and process innovations that enabled sustained helium recovery over two decades, providing a valuable reference for future helium plant design and operations.
Helium is a non-renewable, high-value gas with critical applications in advanced technologies, including medical imaging, aerospace systems, scientific instrumentation, and semiconductor manufacturing. Due to its limited natural reserves and the increasing global demand, efficient recovery from natural gas fields has become a strategic priority for many nations. With one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, Iran is uniquely positioned to develop a domestic helium industry. However, to date, no systematic evaluation has been conducted on the feasibility of helium extraction from Iranian gas fields.
This study presents the first detailed technical and economic assessment of helium recovery potential from various Iranian gas processing facilities. A total of nine gas samples were analyzed—including one associated gas and eight processed gas samples—using gas chromatography (GC). Helium concentrations ranged from 100 to 800 ppm, with two samples falling below the detection limit (100 ppm). As anticipated, the helium content in associated gas was minimal, due to the inherently low solubility of helium in crude oil.
Among currently available technologies, cryogenic separation emerges as the only economically feasible method for helium extraction at these concentrations. This approach becomes commercially viable when helium recovery is integrated with liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, following models implemented in countries like Qatar. For a standalone helium recovery unit to be cost-effective, a feed gas concentration of at least 2000 ppm is required.
The majority of the refinery outlet samples showed helium concentrations between 400 and 800 ppm. This variation is attributed to feedstock blending from multiple gas fields, which lowers the average helium concentration. The study also explored membrane separation technologies as an alternative; however, the presence of approximately 1% CO₂—introduced during amine gas treating with MDEA—poses technical challenges by reducing membrane selectivity and complicating system design.
A preliminary techno-economic analysis was conducted for both a mini-LNG plant and a medium-scale helium recovery unit, assuming an 80% helium recovery efficiency. The results indicate that, with proper integration and process optimization, a sustainable economic model for helium production in Iran is achievable.
A complementary project is currently underway to assess helium concentrations in raw gas streams prior to processing. This parallel effort aims to identify high-helium fields and further refine the economic feasibility of upstream helium recovery. Together, these studies lay the groundwork for strategic investment in Iran’s future role as a helium supplier in the global market.
This study presents the first detailed technical and economic assessment of helium recovery potential from various Iranian gas processing facilities. A total of nine gas samples were analyzed—including one associated gas and eight processed gas samples—using gas chromatography (GC). Helium concentrations ranged from 100 to 800 ppm, with two samples falling below the detection limit (100 ppm). As anticipated, the helium content in associated gas was minimal, due to the inherently low solubility of helium in crude oil.
Among currently available technologies, cryogenic separation emerges as the only economically feasible method for helium extraction at these concentrations. This approach becomes commercially viable when helium recovery is integrated with liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, following models implemented in countries like Qatar. For a standalone helium recovery unit to be cost-effective, a feed gas concentration of at least 2000 ppm is required.
The majority of the refinery outlet samples showed helium concentrations between 400 and 800 ppm. This variation is attributed to feedstock blending from multiple gas fields, which lowers the average helium concentration. The study also explored membrane separation technologies as an alternative; however, the presence of approximately 1% CO₂—introduced during amine gas treating with MDEA—poses technical challenges by reducing membrane selectivity and complicating system design.
A preliminary techno-economic analysis was conducted for both a mini-LNG plant and a medium-scale helium recovery unit, assuming an 80% helium recovery efficiency. The results indicate that, with proper integration and process optimization, a sustainable economic model for helium production in Iran is achievable.
A complementary project is currently underway to assess helium concentrations in raw gas streams prior to processing. This parallel effort aims to identify high-helium fields and further refine the economic feasibility of upstream helium recovery. Together, these studies lay the groundwork for strategic investment in Iran’s future role as a helium supplier in the global market.
Most of the helium-rich gas fields in the globe are in the peripheral rift of ancient craton, but the mechanism for helium accumulation is unique and more complicated than the petroleum system. For instance, since the discovery of the helium-rich hot spring in the Tanzania Craton (metamorphic basement) in 1967, no significant helium field has been found. This research explores the mechanism of helium enrichment and buildup in the periphery rift of an ancient craton using data from gravitational-magneto-electric-seismic-geochemical-logging. According to studies, four components are required for the buildup of helium-rich pools: a long-lasting stable ancient basement holding uranium and thorium; recent tectonic events; efficient secondary migration pathways; and efficient helium-capture traps. Five mechanisms, including mantle plume upwelling, helium generation and accumulation, vertical advection conveying helium, trapping helium, and leftover helium overflowing the surface, have been involved in the release of helium from the Tanzania craton's periphery. The Lupa margin fault controls the semi-graben TRM (Tanganyika-Rukwa-Malawi) shear zone, which has the nature of a strike-slip pull-apart and is in the Rukwa basin. Three rifts occurred in the basin: the Paleozoic Karoo Rift, the Mesozoic Intraplate Rift, and the Cenozoic Rift, the latter of which was crucial in regulating helium migration and buildup. In the Rift Basin, there are two different types of helium accumulation models: one involves inorganic gas and helium in the same reservoir from the same source, and the other involves methane gas and helium in the same reservoir from different sources. The first of these is the primary charging model, and the second primarily occurs along the syncline axis of the basin. The optimal configuration for helium accumulation is found in the BMFCs in the outer rift of the prehistoric Tanzanian craton, where the accumulation coefficient is 0.48%. The 96 billion cubic meters of risked untapped helium geological potential have turned the rift basin's desirable exploration objectives. The study points out the route for helium exploration and the favorable areas for the peripheral rift of the ancient global craton.
As a strategic and scarce resource, the assessment of helium accumulation potential holds significant importance for unconventional petroleum exploration. This study systematically evaluates helium resources in Ordovician formations of the Gucheng area, Tarim Basin, by integrating uranium (U) and thorium (Th) concentration analysis with natural gamma-ray spectrometry (NGS) logging, based on radioactive element decay theory. Key findings include: (1) Trace element analysis of 49 rock samples reveals notable differences in U and Th enrichment among various lithologies, with U content decreasing from shale (12.8±3.2 ppm) > high-U dolomite (8.5±1.6 ppm) > argillaceous limestone (5.2±0.9 ppm) > dolomite (3.1±0.7 ppm) > limestone (2.3±0.5 ppm), and Th content from shale (24.6±5.4 ppm) > argillaceous limestone (16.3±3.1 ppm) > dolomite (9.8±2.3 ppm) ≈ high-U dolomite (9.5±2.1 ppm) > limestone (7.2±1.8 ppm). (2) NGS data from 15 wells indicate a total helium generation of 13.91 km³ (standard conditions), with the Qierqieke Formation contributing 83.5% (11.62 km³) as the primary helium source rock. Secondary contributors include the Lower Yingshan (1.29 km³, 9.3%), Upper Yingshan (0.41 km³, 2.9%), and Penglaiba (0.35 km³, 2.5%) formations, while the Yijianfang and Tumuxiuke formations show minimal contributions (
Lithium exploration from hard rock is critical to support global energy transition initiatives. Efficient prospection requires robust methods to identify lithium-enriched pegmatites, which can be mapped by delineating hydrothermal alteration zones (HAZ) that are indicative of concentrated presence of minerals [1]. Remote sensing data coupled with machine learning (ML) offers a significant potential to conduct a cost-effective, regional-scale, and eco-friendly exploration of lithium [2]. This study establishes a framework for evaluating ML classification algorithms by leveraging legacy surface geology maps as a benchmark for validation. We assess the performance of multiple ML algorithms including Random Forest (RF), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Neural Networks (NN). We applied the methods to Landsat 8 & 9 data for mapping HAZ [3]. Algorithm inputs comprised systematically conditioned remote sensing derivatives (band ratios, spectral indices, and RGB composites) optimized for mineralogical discrimination. Validation utilized spatially explicit legacy geological data as ground-truth proxies. Our analysis quantifies key performance metrics (e.g., overall accuracy, precision, recall, Kappa) for each algorithm against geological maps. Results underscore that no single algorithm universally outperforms others across diverse geological settings. Instead, the concurrent application of multiple algorithms significantly enhances prospectivity mapping reliability. This validated approach leverages lithium exploration by exploiting legacy geological data and publicly available remote sensing data with the end product being a scalable methodology for prioritizing lithium exploration targets that will lead to informed and data-driven lithium reconnaissance in understudied desert terrains.
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References
[1] S. S. Alarifi, R. El‑Qassas, A. Omar, A. Al-Saleh, P. Andráš and A. Eldosouky, "Remote sensing and aeromagnetic mapping for unveiling mineralization potential: Nuqrah Area, Saudi Arabia," Springer, vol. 10, 2024.
[2] H. Shirmard, E. Farahbakhsh, D. Müller and R. Chandra, "A review of machine learning in processing remote sensing data for mineral exploration," Elsevier, 2022.
[3] O. O. Osinowo, A. Gomy and M. Isseini, "Mapping hydrothermal alteration mineral deposits from Landsat 8 satellite data in Pala, Mayo Kebbi Region, Southwestern Chad," Elsevier, vol. 11, 2021.
Co-author/s:
Ahmad Ramdani, Petroleum Engineer, Saudi Aramco.
Taqi Al-Yousuf, Lead Geophysicist, Saudi Aramco.
Pavel Golikov, Geophysical Specialist, Saudi Aramco.
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References
[1] S. S. Alarifi, R. El‑Qassas, A. Omar, A. Al-Saleh, P. Andráš and A. Eldosouky, "Remote sensing and aeromagnetic mapping for unveiling mineralization potential: Nuqrah Area, Saudi Arabia," Springer, vol. 10, 2024.
[2] H. Shirmard, E. Farahbakhsh, D. Müller and R. Chandra, "A review of machine learning in processing remote sensing data for mineral exploration," Elsevier, 2022.
[3] O. O. Osinowo, A. Gomy and M. Isseini, "Mapping hydrothermal alteration mineral deposits from Landsat 8 satellite data in Pala, Mayo Kebbi Region, Southwestern Chad," Elsevier, vol. 11, 2021.
Co-author/s:
Ahmad Ramdani, Petroleum Engineer, Saudi Aramco.
Taqi Al-Yousuf, Lead Geophysicist, Saudi Aramco.
Pavel Golikov, Geophysical Specialist, Saudi Aramco.
The increasing global demand for metal-ion batteries, particularly for electric vehicles, has highlighted significant concerns about the sustainability of raw materials like cobalt. This has made recycling end-of-life batteries a critical strategy to secure the supply chain and reduce reliance on primary mining. The traditional manufacturing of these batteries carries a considerable environmental burden with high carbon emissions, water use, and energy consumption.To address this, recycling end-of-life batteries is a strategic necessity. It not only conserves natural resources but also provides key economic advantages.
There are several approaches to recycling, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While hydrometallurgical methods are recognized as efficient alternatives to polluting pyrometallurgical processes, their use of strong mineral acids generates toxic wastewater and hazardous waste. To address this, our research introduces a novel, environmentally friendly method for recovering cobalt used battery cathodes.
Our approach uses a biodegradable deep eutectic solvent (DES), a mixture of choline chloride and ethylene glycol, as a green leaching agent. This solvent effectively dissolves valuable metals from the lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) cathode material. Following this step, we use a reusable biopolymeric hydrogel, made from cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), to extract and recover the cobalt ions. The hydrogel acts as an adsorbent, using chelation, a process where its carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups form stable complexes with the targeted metal ion.
This innovative system creates an efficient closed-loop recycling process, as both the DES and the hydrogel are reusable. The method demonstrates impressive results, with a leaching efficiency exceeding 85% for cobalt ion. The stability of the DES was confirmed through FT-IR and GC-MS analyses, highlighting its thermal stability and reusability. Similarly, the functionality of the hydrogels were verified with SEM and reusability tests, showing they lost only 19% of their adsorption capacity after three reuse cycles. ICP-MS confirmed the cobalt concentrartion in the whole process.
In conclusion, our research presents a sustainable, economic, and effective solution for recovering valuable metals from batteries. By replacing traditional, harmful solvents with a biodegradable DES and a reusable CMC hydrogel, this system strongly aligns with the principles of a circular economy and green development. The findings mark a significant step towards enhancing the sustainability and security of the battery industry's supply chain and reducing the global environmental impact of electronic waste.
Co-author/s:
Hooman Harighi, Petroleum Engineer and Research Assistant, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran (CCERCI) - Sharif University of Technology - Darya Fan Qeshm Industries Company (SADAF).
There are several approaches to recycling, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While hydrometallurgical methods are recognized as efficient alternatives to polluting pyrometallurgical processes, their use of strong mineral acids generates toxic wastewater and hazardous waste. To address this, our research introduces a novel, environmentally friendly method for recovering cobalt used battery cathodes.
Our approach uses a biodegradable deep eutectic solvent (DES), a mixture of choline chloride and ethylene glycol, as a green leaching agent. This solvent effectively dissolves valuable metals from the lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) cathode material. Following this step, we use a reusable biopolymeric hydrogel, made from cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), to extract and recover the cobalt ions. The hydrogel acts as an adsorbent, using chelation, a process where its carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups form stable complexes with the targeted metal ion.
This innovative system creates an efficient closed-loop recycling process, as both the DES and the hydrogel are reusable. The method demonstrates impressive results, with a leaching efficiency exceeding 85% for cobalt ion. The stability of the DES was confirmed through FT-IR and GC-MS analyses, highlighting its thermal stability and reusability. Similarly, the functionality of the hydrogels were verified with SEM and reusability tests, showing they lost only 19% of their adsorption capacity after three reuse cycles. ICP-MS confirmed the cobalt concentrartion in the whole process.
In conclusion, our research presents a sustainable, economic, and effective solution for recovering valuable metals from batteries. By replacing traditional, harmful solvents with a biodegradable DES and a reusable CMC hydrogel, this system strongly aligns with the principles of a circular economy and green development. The findings mark a significant step towards enhancing the sustainability and security of the battery industry's supply chain and reducing the global environmental impact of electronic waste.
Co-author/s:
Hooman Harighi, Petroleum Engineer and Research Assistant, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran (CCERCI) - Sharif University of Technology - Darya Fan Qeshm Industries Company (SADAF).
Objectives/Scope:
The growing demand for lithium, driven by the global energy transition, highlights the need for efficient exploration methods, particularly for sediment-hosted lithium deposits suitable for Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). Traditional analytical techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) face limitations in detecting lithium, especially under field conditions. In this approach, we demonstrate the application of handheld LaserInduced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for rapid, on-site lithium analysis in sedimentary drill cuttings.
Methods, Procedures, Process:
In this approach, handheld Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to analyze lithium in sedimentary drill cuttings. Cuttings were dried, homogenized, and pressed into powder pellets to improve measurement consistency. The LIBS measurements were conducted using a Z300 SciAps® instrument following a
structured raster protocol. Each pellet was analyzed across five spatially distributed zones, with each zone consisting of a 3×3 matrix of laser shots, resulting in 45 individual measurements per sample.
Results, Observations, Conclusions:
The LIBS calibration model demonstrated a strong correlation (R² > 0.9), particularly in the low-concentration range relevant to sediment-hosted lithium systems. Pellet homogenization combined with laser raster averaging significantly reduced local heterogeneity and improved measurement reproducibility. The approach yielded
repeatability better than 10%, even in the low-concentration range (<10 ppm). The calibration model was developed using over 40 samples, with each data point representing the average of five independent LIBS
measurements. The method achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of below 2 ppm and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of approximately 5 ppm, enabling the reliable identification of subtle lithium enrichments during early-stage exploration. When integrated with XRD and XRF data, the LIBS results facilitated geologically informed
interpretations of lithium enrichment. Notably, lithium showed positive associations with aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and rubidium (Rb), which are commonly linked to lithium-bearing clays such as smectite, illite, and hectorite. This supports the potential of LIBS not only for elemental detection but also for mineralogical screening during early exploration phases.
Novelty/Significance/Additive Information:
Handheld LIBS presents a robust and efficient solution for real-time lithium detection in sedimentary formations. It complements traditional tools by overcoming the limitations of XRD and XRF for lithium analysis, while enabling immediate feedback during drilling.
Co-author/s:
Khalid AlQubaisi, Mud Logging SME and PE Specialist, Saudi Aramco.
The growing demand for lithium, driven by the global energy transition, highlights the need for efficient exploration methods, particularly for sediment-hosted lithium deposits suitable for Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). Traditional analytical techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) face limitations in detecting lithium, especially under field conditions. In this approach, we demonstrate the application of handheld LaserInduced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for rapid, on-site lithium analysis in sedimentary drill cuttings.
Methods, Procedures, Process:
In this approach, handheld Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to analyze lithium in sedimentary drill cuttings. Cuttings were dried, homogenized, and pressed into powder pellets to improve measurement consistency. The LIBS measurements were conducted using a Z300 SciAps® instrument following a
structured raster protocol. Each pellet was analyzed across five spatially distributed zones, with each zone consisting of a 3×3 matrix of laser shots, resulting in 45 individual measurements per sample.
Results, Observations, Conclusions:
The LIBS calibration model demonstrated a strong correlation (R² > 0.9), particularly in the low-concentration range relevant to sediment-hosted lithium systems. Pellet homogenization combined with laser raster averaging significantly reduced local heterogeneity and improved measurement reproducibility. The approach yielded
repeatability better than 10%, even in the low-concentration range (<10 ppm). The calibration model was developed using over 40 samples, with each data point representing the average of five independent LIBS
measurements. The method achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of below 2 ppm and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of approximately 5 ppm, enabling the reliable identification of subtle lithium enrichments during early-stage exploration. When integrated with XRD and XRF data, the LIBS results facilitated geologically informed
interpretations of lithium enrichment. Notably, lithium showed positive associations with aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and rubidium (Rb), which are commonly linked to lithium-bearing clays such as smectite, illite, and hectorite. This supports the potential of LIBS not only for elemental detection but also for mineralogical screening during early exploration phases.
Novelty/Significance/Additive Information:
Handheld LIBS presents a robust and efficient solution for real-time lithium detection in sedimentary formations. It complements traditional tools by overcoming the limitations of XRD and XRF for lithium analysis, while enabling immediate feedback during drilling.
Co-author/s:
Khalid AlQubaisi, Mud Logging SME and PE Specialist, Saudi Aramco.
We investigate the application of high-power lasers (HPL) in mineral extraction and geothermal stimulation. Extensive research and field tests have proven that HPLs can perforate and fracture any formation regardless of rock type and stress state while improving permeability and reducing breakdown pressure. The technology provides the means for direct, precise, controlled, efficient, waterless, and contactless energy delivery to subsurface targets without affecting casing or surrounding formations. HPLs enable complex stimulation designs unattainable with traditional methods, such as creating long tunnels and intricate fracturing networks in any direction, reducing break-down pressure by up to fifty per cent, and improving the permeability of tight rocks.
The HPL technology has been tested in the lab and field. The former included thoroughly characterized tests in thousands of samples subject to different environmental conditions. These tests demonstrated HPL can controllably trigger physical and chemical changes in rocks (e.g., spalling, dissociation, retorting, micro-cracking, clay dehydration, mineral collapse, vaporization, or melting) and the organic matter and fluids within them. The results led to development of the first HPL tools for field applications, which were successfully demonstrated in descaling and shallow-depth perforating scenarios.
The HPL-induced physical-chemical transformations of rocks could enable selective mineral recovery and enhance the stimulation of geothermal formations. HPL illumination can reduce the compressive strength of hard rock formation between 40% and 80%, significantly decreasing the energy required for fracturing and drilling. HPL perforating process can penetrate any rock in any desired direction unconstrained by geological stress orientations, which could allow the development of complex tunnel and fracture networks. HPLs can controllably create micro-fractures and expand pores in rocks that increase permeability by at least 10%, enhancing the stimulated volume and increasing thermal contact and fluid flow. HPL heating can trigger chemical dissociation and retorting pathways that have shown to transform the mineral and organic content of the exposed rocks. Furthermore, high-power lasers will enable a new range of in-situ and contactless characterization methods to identify mineral deposits and sweet spots among other laser-based analyses.
HPL technology has been paradigm shift in many industries due to its accuracy, reduced energy intensity, and versatility. A single laser tool can replace conventional mechanical methods used to reach and extract energy resources (e.g., hydraulic fracturing, rotary drills, grinders, and perforating guns) with surgical precision. These features underscore the potential of HPL to transform mineral extraction and geothermal contact stimulation, heralding a new era of efficiency and sustainability in upstream operations.
Co-author/s:
Sameeh Batarseh, Senior Petroleum Engineering Consultant, Saudi Aramco.
Ahmed Alrashed, Senior Petroleum Engineering Consultant, Saudi Aramco.
Abdullah Harith, Scientist, Saudi Aramco.
The HPL technology has been tested in the lab and field. The former included thoroughly characterized tests in thousands of samples subject to different environmental conditions. These tests demonstrated HPL can controllably trigger physical and chemical changes in rocks (e.g., spalling, dissociation, retorting, micro-cracking, clay dehydration, mineral collapse, vaporization, or melting) and the organic matter and fluids within them. The results led to development of the first HPL tools for field applications, which were successfully demonstrated in descaling and shallow-depth perforating scenarios.
The HPL-induced physical-chemical transformations of rocks could enable selective mineral recovery and enhance the stimulation of geothermal formations. HPL illumination can reduce the compressive strength of hard rock formation between 40% and 80%, significantly decreasing the energy required for fracturing and drilling. HPL perforating process can penetrate any rock in any desired direction unconstrained by geological stress orientations, which could allow the development of complex tunnel and fracture networks. HPLs can controllably create micro-fractures and expand pores in rocks that increase permeability by at least 10%, enhancing the stimulated volume and increasing thermal contact and fluid flow. HPL heating can trigger chemical dissociation and retorting pathways that have shown to transform the mineral and organic content of the exposed rocks. Furthermore, high-power lasers will enable a new range of in-situ and contactless characterization methods to identify mineral deposits and sweet spots among other laser-based analyses.
HPL technology has been paradigm shift in many industries due to its accuracy, reduced energy intensity, and versatility. A single laser tool can replace conventional mechanical methods used to reach and extract energy resources (e.g., hydraulic fracturing, rotary drills, grinders, and perforating guns) with surgical precision. These features underscore the potential of HPL to transform mineral extraction and geothermal contact stimulation, heralding a new era of efficiency and sustainability in upstream operations.
Co-author/s:
Sameeh Batarseh, Senior Petroleum Engineering Consultant, Saudi Aramco.
Ahmed Alrashed, Senior Petroleum Engineering Consultant, Saudi Aramco.
Abdullah Harith, Scientist, Saudi Aramco.
This study investigates the potential of saline surface soils as a non-conventional source for lithium, a critical element for energy storage technologies. While soil salinization is a major challenge in arid regions, it also drives the mobilization and surface accumulation of highly soluble elements. We propose that elements like lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and strontium (Sr) can be transported from depth via capillary action and evaporation, forming detectable geochemical anomalies in surface layers.
To test this, a refined aqueous extraction protocol was developed to enhance the recovery of these mobile elements from challenging arid substrates like aridisols and sabkhas. The method was applied to 36 samples from the Arabian Peninsula, with analysis conducted via ICP-OES. All data were normalized to a dry-weight basis to ensure robust comparability between samples with differing moisture contents.
Our results identified significant lithium anomalies, with concentrations in some samples reaching 258% of the background mean. Strong positive correlations between Li-K (r=0.83) and Li-Mg (r=0.84) suggest their co-migration via saline groundwater. Crucially, lithium concentrations in sabkha soils were found to be up to twenty times higher than in typical aridisols, underscoring the critical role of local hydrology and moisture content in element enrichment.
The findings confirm that surface geochemistry in saline environments can serve as an effective indicator for subsurface mineral potential. The presented extraction technique offers a rapid and cost-effective tool for early-stage lithium prospecting, positioning saline soils as a promising frontier for sourcing strategic metals.
Co-author/s:
Makar Silaev, Associate Petroleum Engineer, Aramco Innovations LLC.
Andrey Bychkov, Consultant, Aramco Innovations LLC.
Dr. Ibrahim Atwah, Lead Geologist, Saudi Arabian Oil Company.
Peter Birkle, Senior Geological Consultant, Saudi Arabian Oil Company.
To test this, a refined aqueous extraction protocol was developed to enhance the recovery of these mobile elements from challenging arid substrates like aridisols and sabkhas. The method was applied to 36 samples from the Arabian Peninsula, with analysis conducted via ICP-OES. All data were normalized to a dry-weight basis to ensure robust comparability between samples with differing moisture contents.
Our results identified significant lithium anomalies, with concentrations in some samples reaching 258% of the background mean. Strong positive correlations between Li-K (r=0.83) and Li-Mg (r=0.84) suggest their co-migration via saline groundwater. Crucially, lithium concentrations in sabkha soils were found to be up to twenty times higher than in typical aridisols, underscoring the critical role of local hydrology and moisture content in element enrichment.
The findings confirm that surface geochemistry in saline environments can serve as an effective indicator for subsurface mineral potential. The presented extraction technique offers a rapid and cost-effective tool for early-stage lithium prospecting, positioning saline soils as a promising frontier for sourcing strategic metals.
Co-author/s:
Makar Silaev, Associate Petroleum Engineer, Aramco Innovations LLC.
Andrey Bychkov, Consultant, Aramco Innovations LLC.
Dr. Ibrahim Atwah, Lead Geologist, Saudi Arabian Oil Company.
Peter Birkle, Senior Geological Consultant, Saudi Arabian Oil Company.
