New York and New England Petroleum Section

Engineered Injection Fluids for Subsurface Energy Technologies

Talk title: Engineered Injection Fluids for Subsurface Energy Technologies: Carbon Mineralization, Critical Mineral Recovery, and Geologic Hydrogen Production Presenter : Nabajit Lahiri, PNNL Time: Jun 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A light lunch will be served after the talk. Location: Schlumberger Doll Research, One Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States Abstract: Mafic and ultramafic formations present a compelling opportunity to integrate carbon mineralization with critical mineral recovery. In basalt and altered peridotite, secondary mineral phases exert strong control over fluid flow pathways, governing where and which carbonates nucleate, and influence recovery of critical minerals (Mn, Ni, Co). In this presentation, we will share field-scale findings on the fate of injected CO2 leading to the discovery of a previously unreported Mg-absent, cation-ordered ankerite phase that forms within complex pore networks during the early stages of CO₂ mineralization. Building on these observations, we will present advances in our in-situ enhanced mineral recovery technology, which uses an engineered injection fluid to promote efficient critical mineral extraction, in-situ separations, and reactive fracturing in ultramafic formations- processes that we have shown also create favorable conditions for stimulating geologic hydrogen generation at low temperatures. Taken together, our results underscore the critical role of multiscale pore architecture, mineral reactivity, and transport dynamics in designing in-situ mining approaches- laying the groundwork for next-generation subsurface energy technologies that maximize the full value of subsurface assets and enable an energy-secure future. Biography : Dr. Nabajit Lahiri received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Utah in 2019 and currently is a senior research scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Dr. Lahiri’s research focuses on interfacial geochemistry and mineralogy to develop subsurface energy technologies that enable a sustainable and resilient future. His work advances new methods for mining critical minerals, producing clean hydrogen from underground sources, and capturing and storing carbon. He is PI/co-PI on multiple DOE-funded projects focused on carbon sequestration, carbon-negative critical mineral recovery, and stimulated geologic hydrogen production. With over 45 published scientific articles and patents, his research helps strengthen energy security and ensure reliable access to critical materials vital for modern industries. TCC Restriction: This presentation should not contain any material related to US Embargoed Countries or US Sanctions to Russia or any other country. Still, if anyone is inadvertently connected and is working with a project or people related to these groups, we ask you to not participate in this event. Click the "RSVP" button below to register.

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