The potential for sustainable energy recovery from a working mine.

The extractable energy value from all sources of heat energy generated underground during the active life of a deep mine is discussed, with particular reference to the recovery of energy from mine waters. Three principal routes by which to consider utilisation of latent energy contained within mine water are reviewed comprising direct extraction; increasing heat content by boosting the temperature further to generate steam and electricity; and indirect extraction as a support medium for developing precursors for alternate energy sources such as the growth of microalgae in on-site lagoons and tailing ponds for producing biodiesel.
The extractable energy value from all sources of heat energy generated underground during the active life of a deep mine is discussed, with particular reference to the recovery of energy from mine waters. Three principal routes by which to consider utilisation of latent energy contained within mine water are reviewed comprising direct extraction; increasing heat content by boosting the temperature further to generate steam and electricity; and indirect extraction as a support medium for developing precursors for alternate energy sources such as the growth of microalgae in on-site lagoons and tailing ponds for producing biodiesel.