---

Worldwide geothermal systems as potential sources for critical metals like lithium, rare earth elements, and others.

Balaram V, Satyanarayanan M, Ray L.

GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2026.102337 

Lithium and other critical elements extraction from geothermal brines has lower environmental footprints compared to conventional hard-rock mining, and can be integrated with geothermal power production for clean energy transition. In this review we highlight the growing potential of geothermal brines as sustainable sources of critical minerals, alongside clean geothermal energy. By compiling global data and new analyses from Indian geothermal systems, this study identifies promising regions such as Puga Valley, Ladakh, for future lithium recovery. It also discusses emerging extraction technologies and emphasizes that recovering critical minerals from geothermal fluids can strengthen clean energy supply chains while minimizing environmental impact through the co-production of renewable energy and valuable resources.

The paper reviews the potential of geothermal systems worldwide as sustainable sources of critical metals, including lithium and rare earth elements, to support the clean energy transition.

Fig: Schematic illustration showing the leaching of lithium, rare earth elements and other metals from surrounding rocks into circulating geothermal fluids.

---