283 Critical Mineral Resources and Recovery in the Americas: Emerging Methods in Exploration and Sustainable Extraction, Part II

This session explores the role of critical minerals in technology and the low-carbon economy, focusing on geological discoveries, sustainable extraction methods, and recycling to support secure, environmentally responsible mineral supply chains in the Americas.

Wednesday, 22 October 2025
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, 217A

Lithium Exploration in the Duperow Formation in Southern Saskatchewan

Paper number: 283-9
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 3:40 PM – 3:55 PM

Authors

Abstract

 

The Saskatchewan Geological Survey (SGS) began sampling Saskatchewan’s subsurface brines in 2011, driven by the demand for lithium and other trace elements that could potentially be derived from basinal brines. Since then, a number of wells were sampled primarily from Paleozoic-aged formations in the oil-producing regions of Saskatchewan. Analytical results over the past decade show that lithium concentrations differ not only from formation to formation, but also spatially within individual formations. Of all formations sampled to date, the Devonian-aged Duperow Formation displays the greatest lithium potential. The information collected for lithium concentrations across the province provides a glimpse into what is interpreted as a complex lithium enrichment system in the Duperow Formation.

 

In 2024, the SGS sampled a new lithium exploration well that was drilled and  cored. This well represented a unique opportunity previously unavailable, in lithium exploration in Saskatchewan: the ability to obtain data from formation water and core from multiple units within the Duperow Formation from a single well. Traditionally, the only zone that was cored and produced formation water was the oil producing zone. With the recent lithium exploration in Saskatchewan it has been discovered that there are eight potential production units in the Duperow Formation each with its own lithium concentration.

 

Core and brine samples from three different zones within the Duperow Formation were measured for oxygen, hydrogen, lithium, and strontium isotopes, along with detailed major ion chemistry. Results are being used here in an effort to elucidate the origin of lithium enrichments in the formation waters of the Duperow Formation. These findings can aid in producing a better lithium exploration model in formation waters and may be applicable to other sedimentary basins. 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-412280

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