Geothermal Energy in the Arabian Shield: The Untapped Renewable Power Source for Saudi Mining Operations

The Next Energy Frontier: Saudi Arabia’s Geothermal Awakening

As Saudi Arabia launches its first geothermal power plant and accelerates renewable energy development under Vision 2030, a massive, untapped resource lies directly beneath the Kingdom’s most active mining regions. The geothermal energy Saudi landscape is rapidly evolving, with the Arabian Shield identified as one of the most promising geothermal provinces in the Middle East . For mining operations already extracting mineral wealth from this ancient geological formation, the opportunity is unprecedented: power mines with clean, baseload renewable energy generated from the same deep wells and geological expertise already deployed in exploration. Arabian Shield geothermal development represents not just energy diversification, but a fundamental transformation in how Saudi mining operations achieve sustainability, reduce costs, and contribute to national climate goals .

The Saudi Geothermal Context: From Research to Reality

Scientific Validation of Geothermal Potential

Recent comprehensive studies have quantified the Arabian Shield’s geothermal potential with remarkable precision:

Key Scientific Findings:

• Curie Point Depth Analysis: Research using high-resolution magnetic data has mapped geothermal anomalies across the Arabian Shield, revealing shallow Curie point depths of 6.0-15.0 km

• Geothermal Gradient: Calculated gradients range from 40.0-100.0 °C/km, significantly above global averages

• Heat Flow Values: Measured heat flow between 90.0-270.0 mW/m², indicating substantial thermal energy at accessible depths

Geological Drivers:

• Red Sea Tectonics: The ongoing rifting process creates elevated heat flow along the western Arabian Shield

• Fracture Systems: Tectonic structures serve as natural conduits for hydrothermal fluids, with recent gravity modeling confirming extensive fracture networks in areas like Wadi Al Lith, where surface temperatures exceed 80°C

• Radiogenic Granites: High heat-producing radioactive granites contribute to subsurface thermal anomalies, particularly in E-W trending zones related to Red Sea tectonics

Saudi Arabia’s First Geothermal Plant

The Kingdom’s commitment to geothermal energy is now manifesting in concrete projects. With Saudi Arabia’s first geothermal power plant under development, the technical and regulatory framework for geothermal energy Saudi development is being established. This pioneering project will demonstrate the viability of harnessing subsurface heat for power generation in the Kingdom’s unique geological context, paving the way for broader deployment, particularly in mining regions where Arabian Shield geothermal resources coincide with energy-intensive operations .

The Mining-Geothermal Synergy: A Natural Partnership

Why Mining Operations Are Ideal Geothermal Candidates

Energy Intensity and Baseload Requirements:

• 24/7 Operations: Mines require continuous power, perfectly matched to geothermal’s baseload characteristics

• Remote Locations: Many mines operate far from grid infrastructure, making on-site generation valuable

• Long Lifespans: Mine lives of 20-30 years align with geothermal plant economics

• Declining Ore Grades: Increasing energy requirements for processing lower-grade ores

Infrastructure Overlap:

• Deep Drilling Expertise: Mining companies already possess deep drilling capabilities

• Geological Understanding: Existing geological models inform geothermal targeting

• Site Access: Active mining sites have established infrastructure and permits

• Workforce Skills: Mining personnel can transition to geothermal operations

Global Precedents: Learning from International Success

The mining-geothermal connection is well-established globally, offering valuable lessons for Saudi implementation:

Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea:

• Operation Since: 2003

• Capacity: 50+ MW geothermal plant powering gold mining operations

• Outcome: Considered a model for sustainable mining, reducing diesel consumption by 80%

Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo:

• First African Geothermal Plant: 250 kW binary plant built using 91°C hot spring water

• Application: Powered local tin mining operations, demonstrating viability of small-scale geothermal

Nevada Gold Mines, USA:

• Current Initiative: Partnership between Quaise Energy and Nevada Gold Mines to evaluate deep geothermal

• Context: Part of 30% GHG reduction target by 2030, complementing 200MW solar installation

• Significance: First commercial pilot for retrofitting fossil power plant to geothermal

Mine Water Heating, UK and Netherlands:

• Innovative Application: Water from flooded mine galleries provides low-carbon heating

• Examples: Gateshead scheme operational since 2023; Wales project recently launched

• Benefit: Repurposing mine infrastructure for post-mining community benefit

The Arabian Shield Advantage: Geological Wealth Meets Energy Potential

Geothermal Resource Characterization

High-Potential Zones Identified:

Wadi Al Lith Region (Western Saudi Arabia):

• Surface Manifestation: Ain Al Harrah hot spring with temperatures exceeding 80°C

• Geological Setting: Fracture systems related to Red Sea rift evolution

• Research Validation: Gravity modeling confirms extensive subsurface fracture networks serving as hydrothermal fluid pathways

Yanbu Basin:

• Reservoir Potential: Sedimentary formations with production rates estimated at 80 liters/second at 120°C

• Advantage: Porous syn-rift sediments offer natural permeability, potentially avoiding hydraulic fracturing requirements

• Long-term Sustainability: Proper well spacing can maintain reservoir pressure and extend project life

E-W Trending Zones:

• Tectonic Association: Areas aligned with Red Sea tectonics showing shallow Curie depths (<8.0 km)

• Thermal Indicators: High geothermal gradients (>83.5 °C/km) and heat flow (>211.0 mW/m²)

• Mineral Association: Same structures that channel hydrothermal fluids often host mineral deposits, creating dual-resource potential

Quantified Energy Potential

Regional Scale Estimates:

• The Red Sea geothermal belt, encompassing the western Arabian Shield, contains super-hot Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) resources estimated to generate 49 × 10¹¹ kWh annually—many times greater than Saudi Arabia’s total annual consumption of 2.89 × 10¹¹ kWh

Mining-Scale Applications:

• Individual geothermal wells in Saudi rift basins can produce ~80 liters/second at 120°C, sufficient for 3-5 MW power generation

• Multiple wells can scale to 30-50 MW, matching typical mine power demands

• Cascaded use: High-grade heat for power generation, medium-grade for mineral processing, low-grade for space heating and water desalination

The Tiered Synergistic Mining Framework: A Revolutionary Approach

TSMGM: Extracting Minerals and Energy Simultaneously

An innovative framework gaining global attention is Tiered Synergistic Mining of Geothermal Energy and Minerals (TSMGM) , which integrates conventional mining techniques with Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) to extract both heat and mineral resources from the same subsurface volume .

How TSMGM Works:

1. Resource Stratification: Subsurface resources are categorized by temperature zones:

   • Low-Temperature (<50°C): Mineral extraction, space heating, greenhouse applications

   • Medium-Temperature (50-100°C): Mineral processing, binary cycle power generation

   • High-Temperature (>100°C): Power generation, direct heat applications

2. Sequential Extraction: Operations progress through temperature zones, extracting minerals and geothermal heat in a coordinated sequence

3. Infrastructure Sharing: Boreholes, access tunnels, and processing facilities serve both mining and geothermal operations

Advantages for Saudi Mining:

• Reduced Costs: Shared infrastructure dramatically lowers capital requirements

• Extended Value: Extract both mineral and energy value from same subsurface volume

• Operational Synergy: Mine ventilation air can supplement geothermal heat exchange

• Post-Mining Value: Geothermal operations can continue after mining ceases, providing long-term revenue

Challenges and Pathways Forward

Implementing TSMGM requires addressing several technical barriers :

Scientific Challenges:

• Understanding coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical processes in deep rock masses

• Predicting long-term reservoir behavior under combined extraction scenarios

• Optimizing well placement for both mineral access and heat extraction

Technical Solutions:

• Excavation-Enhanced Geothermal Systems (E-EGS) using mining techniques to create reproducible thermal reservoirs, overcoming the geological limitations of conventional EGS

• Cross-scale technological innovations integrating mining and geothermal operations

• Advanced monitoring systems using microseismic and geophysical methods

The Darkstone Advantage: Mining Expertise Meets Energy Innovation

Integrated Capabilities for Geothermal Development

Deep Drilling Excellence:

• Exploration Drilling: RC and diamond drilling capabilities directly transferable to geothermal well construction

• Formation Evaluation: Geological logging and testing expertise essential for reservoir characterization

• Directional Drilling: Advanced techniques for optimal well placement within fracture networks

Geological Surveying Expertise:

• Structural Analysis: Understanding fracture systems that control hydrothermal fluid flow

• Geophysical Interpretation: Integrating magnetic, gravity, and seismic data for geothermal targeting

• Resource Modeling: 3D geological models supporting both mineral and geothermal development

Mining Operations Knowledge:

• Energy Load Profiling: Deep understanding of mining power requirements

• Site Integration: Experience integrating complex systems within active mining operations

• Safety Leadership: World-class safety protocols applicable to geothermal operations

Saudi-Specific Implementation Approach

Phase 1: Resource Assessment (Current Capability)

• Review existing geological and geophysical data for geothermal indicators

• Identify priority mining sites with highest geothermal potential

• Conduct targeted surveys using proven exploration methodologies

• Quantify resource potential and development economics

Phase 2: Pilot Demonstration (Near-Term Opportunity)

• Partner with mining operations on geothermal feasibility studies

• Drill deep exploration wells dual-purposed for mineral and geothermal assessment

• Test small-scale power generation at high-potential sites

• Validate TSMGM concepts in Saudi geological context

Phase 3: Commercial Deployment (Vision 2030 Alignment)

• Scale successful pilots to commercial operations

• Integrate geothermal with solar and other renewables for hybrid mining power

• Develop Saudi expertise in geothermal operations and maintenance

• Establish Saudi Arabia as regional leader in mining-renewable integration

Economic Case: The Compelling ROI for Mining Geothermal

Cost Competitiveness Analysis

Comparative Economics:

• Diesel Generation: $0.12-0.18/kWh (volatile, high operating cost)

• Grid Power: $0.04-0.08/kWh (depending on location and connection)

• Solar PV: $0.02-0.04/kWh (intermittent, requires storage or backup)

• Geothermal: $0.04-0.07/kWh (stable, 90%+ capacity factor)

Geothermal Advantages:

• Price Stability: No fuel cost volatility, 20-30 year price certainty

• Baseload Reliability: Continuous power without storage requirements

• Complementarity: Pairs perfectly with solar for 24/7 renewable coverage

• Long Life: 30+ year plant life with proper reservoir management

Mine-Specific Financial Benefits

Direct Energy Savings:

• For a 30 MW mine load, replacing diesel with geothermal saves $15-25 million annually

• Payback periods of 3-6 years typical for geothermal investments

• 20-year savings of $200-400 million for medium-sized operations

Indirect Benefits:

• Carbon Revenue: Potential carbon credit generation (30 MW geothermal avoids 150,000+ tons CO₂ annually)

• ESG Enhancement: Improved access to sustainability-focused capital

• Regulatory Preparedness: Positioned for carbon pricing and border adjustments

• Community Relations: Local employment and reduced environmental impact

Implementation Roadmap: From Exploration to Operation

Phase 1: Exploration and Assessment (Months 1-12)

Geothermal Resource Evaluation:

• Compile existing geological and geophysical data for target mining areas

• Conduct targeted surveys using proven methodologies (magneto-telluric, gravity, magnetic)

• Identify priority drilling locations based on integrated analysis

• Estimate resource potential and preliminary economics

Feasibility Study:

• Assess technical viability for specific mining operations

• Model power generation scenarios and economics

• Evaluate integration with existing mine power systems

• Develop project timeline and budget

Phase 2: Pilot Drilling and Testing (Months 13-24)

Exploration Well Drilling:

• Drill deep exploration wells (2,000-4,000 meters) with dual mineral/geothermal objectives

• Conduct comprehensive well testing (flow rates, temperature, chemistry)

• Validate resource models with actual subsurface data

• Refine economic projections based on test results

Pilot Power Generation:

• Install small-scale (1-5 MW) demonstration plant

• Connect to mine power system for real-world testing

• Monitor performance and optimize operations

• Document results for full-scale project financing

Phase 3: Commercial Development (Months 25-48)

Full-Scale Implementation:

• Drill production and injection wells for commercial capacity

• Construct power plant sized to mine requirements (10-50 MW)

• Integrate with mine electrical systems and controls

• Commission and hand over to operations

Long-Term Operations:

• Implement reservoir management and monitoring program

• Optimize plant performance through data-driven analysis

• Plan for expansion as mine energy needs evolve

• Capture learnings for future projects

Overcoming Implementation Challenges

Technical Adaptation for Saudi Conditions

High-Temperature Operations:

• Equipment rated for 50°C+ ambient temperatures

• Cooling systems optimized for arid conditions

• Materials selected for sand and dust protection

• Redundant systems ensuring reliability

Deep Drilling Expertise:

• Leverage oil and gas drilling experience for geothermal wells

• Adapt directional drilling techniques for optimal reservoir intersection

• Implement advanced cementing and completion practices

• Ensure well integrity for long-term production

Regulatory and Policy Framework

Current Status:

• Saudi geothermal regulatory framework under development

• First geothermal plant establishing permitting precedents

• Mining licenses potentially adaptable for geothermal co-development

Advocacy Priorities:

• Clear geothermal resource rights within mining concessions

• Streamlined permitting for dual-purpose wells

• Incentives for renewable integration in mining

• Grid connection framework for excess power sales

The Vision 2030 Alignment: Beyond Energy to Economic Transformation

National Objectives Supported

Economic Diversification:

• Develop new geothermal industry creating Saudi jobs and expertise

• Reduce mining sector diesel imports, improving trade balance

• Position Saudi Arabia as regional geothermal technology leader

Sustainability Leadership:

• Contribute to 50% renewable energy target and 2060 net-zero commitment

• Demonstrate Saudi innovation in clean energy for heavy industry

• Enhance international reputation for environmental responsibility

Mining Sector Competitiveness:

• Lower energy costs improving global competitiveness

• Attract ESG-focused investment to Saudi mining

• Future-proof operations against carbon regulations

Darkstone’s Contribution to National Goals

Technical Leadership:

• Apply deep drilling and geological expertise to geothermal development

• Bridge mining and energy sectors through integrated solutions

• Develop Saudi capability in geothermal exploration and development

Demonstration Effect:

• Pioneer geothermal integration at mining operations

• Document and share learnings across Saudi mining sector

• Build case for broader geothermal deployment

Conclusion: The Geothermal-Mining Partnership That Powers Saudi Arabia’s Future

The convergence of geothermal energy Saudi development with mining operations in the Arabian Shield represents one of the most compelling opportunities in the Kingdom’s energy transition. For mining companies already operating in high-potential geothermal areas, the path is clear: leverage existing expertise and infrastructure to unlock a renewable energy source that can power operations for decades while dramatically reducing costs and environmental impact.

The scientific foundation is robust, with multiple studies confirming the Arabian Shield’s world-class geothermal potential . The global precedents are proven, with mining-geothermal integration succeeding across diverse geological settings . The timing is perfect, with Saudi Arabia’s first geothermal plant launching and Vision 2030’s sustainability targets accelerating.

For Darkstone Group, this represents the natural evolution of our mining expertise into the renewable energy domain. We understand the rocks of the Arabian Shield, the operations of Saudi mines, and the technologies that can extract value from both. As renewable mining operations become not just an aspiration but an expectation, we’re positioned to help Saudi mining companies lead this transformation.

The heat beneath the Arabian Shield has waited millions of years. Its time has finally come—and with it, the opportunity to power Saudi mining with clean, reliable, Saudi energy from the very ground we already know best.

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