Estimates of lithium mass yields from produced water sourced from the Devonian-aged Marcellus Shale

Title	Estimates of lithium mass yields from produced water sourced from the Devonian-aged Marcellus Shale
Authors	Justin Mackey, Daniel J. Bain, Greg Lackey, James Gardiner, Djuna Gulliver, Barbara Kutchko
Magazine	Scientific Reports
Date	04/16/2024
DOI	10.1038/s41598-024-58887-x
Introduction	The global push for decarbonisation has significantly increased the demand for lithium. This research utilises publicly available waste compliance data and Monte Carlo simulations to quantify the total lithium recoverable from produced water (PW) originating from Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale. While Marcellus Shale PW across the state contains considerable amounts of extractable lithium, variations exist in concentrations, production volumes, and extraction efficiencies across the northeast and southeast operational areas. Annual projections indicate statewide lithium yields of approximately 1 160 metric tonnes per year (95% CI 1 140–1 180). An analysis of PW production decline curves highlights cumulative volumetric differences between the northeast (median = 2.89 × 10^7 L/10 years) and southeast (median = 5.56 × 10^7 L/10 years) regions of the state. These differences influence lithium yield projections for individual wells, with southeast Pennsylvania wells yielding an estimated 2.90 mt/10 years (95% CI 2.80–2.99) and northeast Pennsylvania wells yielding 1.96 mt/10 years (CI 1.86–2.07). Additionally, regional magnesium-to-lithium (Mg/Li) mass ratios differ; northeast Pennsylvania fluids exhibit lower Mg/Li ratios with a median of 5.39 (IQR, 2.66–7.26), whereas southeast Pennsylvania PW shows higher ratios with a median of 17.8 (IQR, 14.3–20.7). These findings suggest significant lithium quantities are available from Marcellus PW, although regional variations in chemical composition and production volumes could impact the effectiveness of recovery processes.
Quote	Justin Mackey, Daniel J. Bain and Greg Lackey et al. Estimates of lithium mass yields from produced water sourced from the Devonian-aged Marcellus Shale. Sci Rep. 2024. Vol. 14. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58887-x
Element	Lithium (Li) , Magnesium (Mg)
Industry	Energy Storage & Batteries , Oil & Gas , Research & Laboratory