Mining a Liquid: Case Study for Resource Evaluation Methodology in a Confined Saline Aquifer, Bashaw District, Central Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Confined saline aquifers, often associated with hydrocarbon production, are an emerging source of lithium in the global market. They represent a new type of deposit, and there is a need to develop standards and guidelines for resource and reserve estimation to account for the unique characteristics and challenges of these deposits. This case study demonstrates the application of a new methodology for estimating resource volumes for confined saline aquifers, drawing on technical reports completed for the purposes of Canadian securities and exchange regulations in 2022-2023. As confined saline aquifers are often associated with hydrocarbon production, this methodology is of value for both existing oil and gas companies (who may have mineral resource present in their associated water production) and emerging mineral companies seeking to develop brine-hosted lithium projects.