Geomechanics in the Era of Critical Minerals and Energy Transition

The global transition toward renewable energy systems, electrification and advanced manufacturing has significantly increased the demand for critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and copper. These resources are essential for clean energy technologies, digital infrastructure, and sustainable development. However, their exploration and extraction are becoming increasingly challenging due to greater mining depth, complex geological conditions, and stringent environmental and safety requirements.Geomechanics play a fundamental role throughout the lifecycle critical minerals resource development, from exploration and reservoir characterization to extraction, fragmentation, and fluid dynamics. Despite its importance, geomechanics is often treated in isolation from mineral exploration, extraction technologies, and recovery processes. This Special Issue aims to bridge this gap by integrating geomechanically principles across the entire mining value chain. This Special Issue aims to provide a unified framework that supports safer, more efficient, and sustainable critical mineral extraction. It seeks to provide a unified platform for advancing scientific understanding and practical applications that support safer, more efficient, and sustainable extraction of critical minerals.The urgency of securing reliable and sustainable critical mineral supply chains for the global energy transition makes this Special Issue both timely and highly relevant. Advances in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and real-time monitoring further create new opportunities to integrate geomechanics into modern mining practices. Low-carbon and sustainable mining technologiesThe key objectives of this Special Issue are to:• Integrate geomechanics across exploration, extraction, and recovery processes • Address challenges associated with deep and complex mineral deposits • Promote the application of AI, data analytics, and digital technologies in geomechanics • Enhance understanding of coupled processes (THMC) in mineral systems • Support sustainable, low-impact, and environmentally responsible mining practices • Bridge the gap between academic research and industry applicationsThe current Special Issue covers fundamental, applied, and interdisciplinary research topics, including but not limited to:1. Geomechanics in Mineral Exploration• Structure-controlled mineralization; • Fracture network analysis; • Stress field evaluation in ore-forming systems; • Exploration geomechanics for targeting.2. Rock Mechanics and Extraction Technologies• Stability of underground and open-pit mining for critical minerals; • Rockburst, seismicity, and deep mining issues; • Mine fragmentation and blasting optimization for critical minerals; • Mine mechanization, automation and smart mining technologies.3. Fracture Mechanics and Fluid Flow• Fracture propagation in mineralized rocks; • Permeability evolution under geomechanical stress; • Hydro-mechanical coupling; • In-situ recovery (ISR) and leaching geomechanics.4. Numerical Modeling and Simulation• Discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling; • Coupled THMC (thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical) models; • Digital twins and real-time geomechanical monitoring; • Uncertainty quantification and risk management.5. Data-driven and AI-Based Approaches• Machine learning in rock mechanics and mineral systems • Predictive modelling of rock properties and fragmentation• AI for exploration targeting and geomechanical assessment • Integration of big data and real-time monitoring systems 6. Environmental Impacts and Sustainability Considerations• Ground deformation, subsidence and stability in mining environments • Waste stabilization and tailings management • ESG aspects in mining• Low-carbon and energy efficient mining practices 7. Examples and Case Studies • Critical minerals deposits (lithium, rare earth elements, copper, nickel, and cobalt)• Deep underground mining challenges• Integrated approaches for exploration and extraction • Field-based validation and industrial applications Topic editors: Muhammad Zaka Emad, Yewuhalashet Fissha, Manoj Khandelwal, Naseer Muhammad Khan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81845/geomechanics-in-the-era-of-critical-minerals-and-energy-transition