Ascension Secures Funding for Geothermal Critical Mineral Recovery

Why It Matters

Domestic recovery of rare earths and other critical minerals reduces UK dependence on volatile overseas supply chains and adds economic value to geothermal energy assets. Successful demonstration could accelerate private investment and policy support for dual‑use energy projects.

Key Takeaways

• £670,490 Innovate UK grant plus £1 m UKI2S boost Ascension's pilot.
• Project targets rare earths, lithium, and other critical minerals from geothermal brine.
• Domestic recovery could cut UK reliance on Asian rare‑earth imports.
• Dual-use geothermal sites may generate power and valuable minerals simultaneously.
• Expected pilot results by 2028 could attract further private investment.

Pulse Analysis

Geothermal reservoirs have long been prized for their steady heat output, but a new wave of research is unlocking their hidden mineral wealth. Rare earth elements, lithium, and other critical metals are embedded in the hot brine that circulates beneath the Earth’s surface. As governments worldwide grapple with supply‑chain vulnerabilities—especially for clean‑energy technologies—countries are exploring ways to turn geothermal sites into dual‑purpose assets that produce both electricity and strategic minerals. The UK’s recent policy push, including the Innovate UK grant scheme, reflects a broader ambition to secure a home‑grown supply of these materials and reduce reliance on imports from China and other dominant producers.

Ascension’s initiative leverages proprietary ion‑exchange and membrane technologies to selectively capture valuable elements from geothermal fluids. The £670,490 Innovate UK grant, combined with £1 million from the UK Infrastructure and Investment Fund (UKI2S), funds a pilot plant designed to process up to 10,000 cubic metres of brine per day. Early testing suggests recovery rates of 60‑70% for targeted rare earths and up to 80% for lithium, figures that could make the operation economically attractive even before accounting for the revenue from electricity generation. By integrating mineral extraction with power production, Ascension aims to lower overall project costs, improve the carbon footprint, and create a new revenue stream for geothermal developers.

If the pilot meets its milestones, the implications extend far beyond a single site. A proven commercial model could spur a cascade of investments across the UK’s geothermal portfolio, attracting private capital and encouraging further government incentives. The approach also offers a template for other regions with geothermal potential, from the western United States to the East African Rift, where similar dual‑use projects could help meet global demand for clean‑energy components while mitigating geopolitical risk. Successful scaling could ultimately reshape the critical‑mineral market, making supply more resilient and fostering a greener, more self‑sufficient economy.