Application of Drilling Fluid Technologies to Lithium and Rare Earth Extraction
Oladokun Olawale *
SLB (Schlumberger), Angola.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study examines how modern drilling fluid technologies are being adapted to improve the extraction efficiency, environmental safety, and operational performance of lithium and rare earth element (REE) resources, which are increasingly important for clean energy technologies.
Study Design: A comprehensive peer literature review of drilling fluid innovations applied to lithium brine extraction, hard-rock rare earth mining, and advanced geothermal-style drilling systems used in critical mineral development.
Methodology: This research is based on a systematic peer review of articles published between 2020 and 2025, sourced from Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Selected studies address drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, fluid loss control, and contamination management in lithium-bearing formations and REE extraction environments.
Results: The review identified relevant studies highlighting the adaptation of oil and gas drilling fluids such as polymer-based fluids, potassium-silicate systems, nano-enhanced muds, and high-density brines to the unique geochemical challenges of lithium and REE formations. Reformulated WBMs were able to maintain viscosity in brines in excess of 150,000 ppm, improve wellbore stability, reduce fluid-formation interactions, enhance brine recovery, and minimize contamination of sensitive mineral systems. Emerging nanomaterials and environmentally friendly additives also demonstrated potential to improve both recovery efficiency and sustainability performance.
Conclusions: Drilling fluid technologies originally developed for petroleum operations are being successfully applied and modified for lithium and REE extraction. These innovations have improved process efficiency and reduced environmental risks. However, limitations include long-term formation compatibility, nanoparticle behavior, the impact of specialty additives on mineral purity, and the scalability of eco-friendly drilling fluid systems. Further research is required to better understand these aspects and ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable critical mineral extraction.
Keywords: Drilling fluid, rare earth extraction, lithium, nanomaterials