Digital solutions for In-situ recovery (ISR) /In-situ leaching (ISL)

SLB brings proven digital solutions for modeling and optimizing in situ recovery mining processes, enabling operators to better understand subsurface behavior, predict mineral recovery, and optimize leaching performance.

By integrating geology, fluid flow, and geochemistry into a unified modeling framework, the solution transforms ISR operations into a predictive, data-driven workflow, supporting improved field development and operational decision-making.

• In‑situ leaching (ISL)/recovery (ISR) for critical minerals (uranium, lithium, boron, copper etc.).
• Well pattern design and injection‑production strategy planning.
• Modeling of multi-component geochemistry and reactive transport.
• Operational performance forecasting and recovery optimization.
• Geomechanics –predict and monitor changes to surface and subsurface due to ISL operations.
• Robust field management framework to incorporate operational field logic.
• Uncertainty and optimization for scenario evaluation, well placement, rates and operating conditions.
• Integration of subsurface and surface workflows for ISR operations.
• Expansion to broader mining simulation workflows.

• Integrated modeling of fluid flow, thermodynamics, and geochemical reactions.
• Ongoing development toward coupling thermal effects with geochemical reactions to better represent temperature-dependent dissolution and reaction kinetics. Integrated modeling of fluid flow, thermodynamics, and geochemical reactions.
• Flexible physics framework supportingcorrosive injected fluids and PLS behaviour during circulation and lift.
  • Multi-component brines
  • Solid–fluid interactions
  • Chemical reactions and dissolution processes
• Reactive transport simulation combining flow and chemistry
• High-resolution 3D subsurface modeling using geological and well data
• Fracture modeling (dual porosity, discrete fractures, explicit approaches)
• Customizable workflows using Python scripting for operational control
• Scalable simulation capability for large, complex models

Traditional ISL workflows rely on simplified simulation tools that limit understanding of subsurface processes and constrain optimization. Our in-situ recovery mining introduces:

• The capture of complex geochemical reactions governing mineral dissolution.
• Incorporation of core‑based ISL tests and laboratory measurements to validate geochemical inputs and strengthen model reliability.
• Integrated characterization, calibration, and forecasting, in one workflow.
• Enablement of continuous model updates using production and monitoring data including monitoring of porosity and permeability evolution through fiber‑optic measurements or repeat log runs.
• The ability to run multiple optimized scenarios for improved planning.

This enables a shift from simplified analysis to predictive, data-driven and optimized ISR development.

In‑situ recovery dissolves minerals underground rather than excavating them, using injection wells to introduce leaching solutions and production wells to recover mineral-rich fluids

The process involves:

• Complex geochemical reactions (dissolution, oxidation, redox cycles).
• Interaction between injected fluids, rock matrix, and mineral content.
• Surface recovery through processing.
• Management of corrosive lixiviants and PLS throughout the injection‑production cycle is a key operational consideration.

This solution provides a comprehensive digital framework to simulate and optimize these processes, enabling more efficient and sustainable ISR operations. SLB is advancing research into safer lixiviants, including neutral‑pH and alkaline alternatives.