Geothermal Systems as Emerging Sources of Critical Minerals

Geothermal systems represent a rapidly advancing frontier in the study of critical mineral resources, positioned at the intersection of geochemistry, energy transition, and sustainable resource development. The global shift toward clean energy technologies has sharply increased the demand for key materials such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Traditional mining routes face challenges including declining ore grades, environmental degradation, and geopolitical vulnerabilities. Within this context, geothermal systems—rich in hydrothermal fluids and dynamic water-rock interactions—provide a natural laboratory for understanding how metals are mobilized, transported, and concentrated at depth. Recent geochemical and isotopic studies have revealed elevated metal contents in several active geothermal fields, highlighting their potential as dual-purpose energy and mineral production sites. However, large uncertainties remain regarding the physicochemical processes governing metal enrichment, the scalability of extraction technologies, and the long-term sustainability of co-production practices.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the geochemical mechanisms, technological solutions, and environmental frameworks that define geothermal systems as emerging sources of critical minerals. It seeks to address key questions regarding how magmatic inputs, fluid circulation, and mineral deposition processes interact to control metal mobility and availability, and how these natural processes can be leveraged for systematic resource recovery. By integrating insights from geochemistry, hydrogeology, resource engineering, and sustainability science, the topic aspires to build a cohesive foundation for using geothermal infrastructures as both power and mineral sources, while maintaining environmental responsibility.To gather further insights into the dual resource and energy potential of geothermal systems, we welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Water-rock interactions, magmatic derivation, and geochemical pathways for critical mineral enrichment- Transport dynamics, precipitation mechanisms, and metal scaling processes in natural and engineered systems- Spatial and temporal modelling of mineral distributions within geothermal reservoirs- Analytical innovations in geochemical, isotopic, and remote sensing approaches for resource assessment- Extraction and recovery techniques including direct lithium extraction and selective metal recovery- Environmental and sustainability frameworks for managing geothermal brine reinjection and life-cycle impactsWe encourage submissions spanning field-based case studies, laboratory experiments, and numerical modelling efforts that collectively illuminate the potential of geothermal resources to foster a low-impact, resilient supply chain for critical minerals. Topic editors: Chelsea Wren Neil, Shuvajit Bhattacharya Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82398/geothermal-systems-as-emerging-sources-of-critical-minerals