Case Study Advanced Modeling Improves Lithium Brine Resource Estimates
Expertise in lithium extraction technologies enabled the customer to refine their lithium resource estimates.
Explore, develop, and optimize production of lithium-rich brine resources
Based on currently producing resources and newly announced projects, it is estimated that global lithium production will be nearly 4.0 metric megatons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2040, leaving a supply and demand gap of about 1.46 metric megatons LCE. Therefore, to meet the growing supply and demand gap for lithium, there is a need to both identify and develop new reserves and increase production from existing sources.
3D basin models that incorporate all kinds of data—geophysical, geological, lithology, porosity, temperature, geochemistry—help us build more holistic views of resource potential. From delineating the edges of the reservoir to determining its capacity to mapping lithium concentration variances and areas with higher permeability, understanding these characteristics will provide an understanding of the economic potential of a lithium brine resource.
Dynamic modeling of the reservoir can help with field development planning by simulating brine flows through the reservoir, injection effects, and more. The combination of static and dynamic modeling helps optimize production of the resource and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Trying to determine where to explore? Check out our prebuilt basin model reports for areas with high lithium resource potential.
Do you need help evaluating the lithium brine potential of your subsurface asset? Learn more about custom subsurface studies and modeling of your asset.
Through a combination of subsurface expertise and our sustainable lithium production project engineering, implementation, and operational experience, we combine deep technical and scientific knowledge with the experience and learnings from commercial-scale technology integration and deployment.
We deliver insights and better-informed actions from every perspective. From evaluating the individual lithium-brine resource to extraction and reinjection, our static and dynamic models help customers gain the knowledge to confidently develop the best technological and economic solution.