By extracting CRM from geothermal fluids both, sustainable mining and energy provision, will be possible at the same time. Within CRM-geothermal a better geological understanding will be created that explains the occurrence and mobility of CRM-rich geothermal fluids and allows us to identify geothermal provinces where co-extraction of CRMs and energy will be possible. CRM-geothermal will develop adapted technologies to extract elements of interest during the geothermal production cycles. The feasibility of co-extraction will be demonstrated and thus a very environmentally friendly and socially acceptable exploitation method, maximizing use of the deep groundwater. The vision is to embed the CRM extraction component into existing geothermal energy systems. The possibility to replace conventional mines with facilities that extract CRM from geothermal brines offers a path to a socially acceptable and environmentally friendly mining industry. Thus, CRM-geothermal is aimed at increasing the EU autonomy in key strategic value chains with a view to make the EU industry more resilient through opening up new sources for selected CRMs from a domestic combined extraction of key elements and heat.
