Optimizing produced water resources through the recovery of critical elements and salts from the Bakken and Inyan Kara formations

This study introduces a novel strategy for sustainable resource recovery by leveraging oilfield-produced water typically treated as waste as a valuable source for salt and critical minerals. The extraction potential of critical minerals and salts from produced water in the Bakken and Inyan Kara Formations is evaluated to support circular economic goals and resource development. Using comprehensive water chemistry data obtained through ICP-MS and ICP-OES, the Bakken Formation is found to exhibit substantially higher concentrations of dissolved solids than the Inyan Kara Formation. Total dissolved solids (TDS) in the Bakken range from 46,815 mg/L to 327,714 mg/L, compared to 4130 to 6240 mg/L in Inyan Kara. Elevated concentrations of magnesium (1508 mg/L) and calcium (30,340 mg/L) indicate strong potential for the economic recovery of salts. Although the Inyan Kara Formation contains large volumes of water, its lower salinity and limited number of active wells reduce its feasibility for extraction. In contrast, the Bakken Formation, with higher salinity, extensive oilfield infrastructure, and consistent produced water output, demonstrates favorable conditions for mineral recovery. By shifting the perspective from waste management to resource utilization, this research expands the scope of produced water valorization, supporting both circular economy goals and energy transition initiatives. Findings highlight opportunities to offset disposal costs through mineral sales, presenting a scalable pathway for integrating environmental and economic benefits into oilfield operations. This study builds upon existing research by leveraging robust regional datasets and offering actionable insights for resource optimization.