Lithium opportunities in brines from oilfield produced waters in Venezuela
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19795645Keywords:
litio, agua producida, salmueras petroleras, extracción directa de litio, DLEAbstract
This technical article assesses the geoscientific, operational, and techno-economic potential of recovering lithium from oilfield-produced brines in Venezuela through Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). Open data from the Carabobo area suggest lithium concentrations of up to about 40 mg/L, indicating near-threshold opportunities rather than high-grade brine systems, while the Maracaibo Basin remains an exploratory target because of its higher salinity and more evolved brines. The outlines modular recovery routes based on selective adsorption, membrane concentration, and bipolar electrodialysis integrated with existing surface facilities and reinjection systems. A preliminary economic screening shows strong sensitivity to lithium grade, water flow rate, recovery, energy and reagent costs, and lithium carbonate prices. The study recommends a phased program of characterization, laboratory testing, and modular pilots, starting in the Eastern Basin and extending to exploratory screening in Maracaibo.
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