- With the significant amount of steam and thermal fluids produced, a hybrid combined cycle ORC system, with two phase (single flash separation with one steam turbine system and the other Binary ORC turbine system utilising primarily liquid phase) is one of the potential energy generation systems.
- There are several other potential geothermal energy production systems that could also be considered based on pressure, temperature, fluid and gas compositions, and enthalpy (flow rate). Geothermal heat is able to be used to generate economic, zero carbon electricity for the mine.
- An Open Pit mine located on top of a hydrothermal reservoir system would have significant heat flow at the surface with manifestations like thermal springs and fumaroles that would need to be removed for operational safety. The shallow hydrothermal reservoir may initially be pressurised fluids, but as the overburden is removed and pressures reduce, steam would be produced in the pit walls and floor. This steam could be removed and the areas depressurised with steam relief wells. This steam could be collected and utilised along with shallow thermal dewatering fluids for power generation with hybrid Flash / Binary Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems to produce substantial clean energy whilst at the same time helping to make mining operations safer.
