• With the help of the data from the successfully completed 3D seismic survey, optimal locations for a geothermal borehole can be identified
• The locations are always selected in such a way that interference with nature and the influence on the environment are as low as possible.

• As soon as the well site is set up, the drilling rig is erected and the drill pipe is ready, the drilling begins.
• The standpipe is only 30 to 40 meters deep. Smaller tubes that are plugged into each other follow similar to a telescope. They are sealed against each other to protect the groundwater. The wells are then drilled vertically to a depth of around 1,000 metres before they are deflected and lead at an angle into the permeable reservoir
• During the drilling process, various experts are deployed to ensure that the drilling is carried out safely and to monitor the individual work steps. Once the desired end point of the well has been reached, several tests are carried out. Upon successful completion, the system is prepared for commissioning.

• The drilling site is built completely watertight to protect the surrounding area, especially the groundwater, from contamination.
• The site will be equipped with its own drainage system, which is independent of the public sewerage system. As in all commercial operations, wastewater is collected, analysed at regular intervals, and disposed professionally if necessary.

• A threat to groundwater from deep geothermal energy can be ruled out if it is carried out professionally
• All deep boreholes are subject to the strict operating plan procedure under mining law, which also considers the interests of the local population and environmental protection
• Particularly when drilling through drinking water-bearing layers, strict protection requirements must be met. These include the special selection of the drilling method, the drilling fluid (without water-polluting ingredients) and reliable, multiple casing and cementation to sustainably shut off the borehole from the drinking water horizon. All sealing areas are also continuously monitored by measuring equipment over the entire period of operation and their functionality is assessed at regular intervals by external experts
• In the immediate vicinity of the boreholes, several groundwater measurement gauges are installed for continuous groundwater monitoring. This is important in that it is then necessary to prevent the groundwater from spreading beyond the area of the drilling site, and in order to be able to take effective countermeasures in a timely and targeted manner
• The monitoring and the measures are co-ordinated with the water authority.

• By regularly monitoring various parameters in the drilling, defects can be recognised at an early stage.
• In addition, a network of measuring points in the near-surface aquifer can help to ensure that any seepage of brine into near-surface aquifers can be detected at an early stage and suitable countermeasures can be initiated.
• Chemically analysing the brine prior to commissioning also enables a detailed risk assessment to be carried out, allowing the monitoring concept to be adapted accordingly.

• The drilling does not create cavities that could collapse and cause subsidence on the surface.
• Brine is extracted from fissures and pores in the sandstone, where the diameter of the drilling decreases with increasing drilling depth.
• In contrast to mining and oil production, utilising deep geothermal energy does not involve permanent extraction of ground resources because the brine is channelled back into the same reservoir after the heat has been taken out.

• Fracking is only allowed in Germany for research purposes under strict conditions and is not used by Vulcan
• Fracking is often confused with so-called ‘hydraulic stimulation’. Fracking creates new cracks and thus pathways for groundwater in an otherwise dense structure. In hydraulic stimulation, existing cracks/ paths in the vicinity of the borehole are widened with pressure, thereby improving the hydraulic connection of the borehole to the groundwater-conducting formation
• The reservoirs for the thermal water on the Upper Rhine are located in particularly permeable rock layers (shell limestone and red sandstones), which makes fracking, which is used to open up impermeable rock layers, superfluous.

• A drilling site is about three hectares in size – the equivalent of about four football pitches. The surface is always structured in the same way, regardless of how many boreholes are drilled. This standardised layout makes it possible to also schedule reserve boreholes, which increases flexibility and secures the heat supply
• The drilling site contains the boreholes themselves, the technical systems for energy generation and heat exchangers through which the heat generated can be fed directly into a district heating network.

• Above the surface, the injection and production wells are only a few meters apart. At a depth of 3.5 km in the ground, they are about 1.5 km apart. This distance does vary and depends on where in the rock there are particularly well-permeable areas through which the thermal water can flow
• The basis for defining these zones is a geological 3D model derived from seismic measurements. In addition, computer simulations are used to calculate how the water behaves underground over a long period of time. This ensures that the system can be operated stably, efficiently and sustainably – as is the case at the Insheim site, for example, where such a distance has already been successfully implemented.

• A geothermal well is carried out in several sections to ensure the stability and tightness of the well
• After each drilling section, a steel pipe, the so-called casing, is installed and firmly connected to the surrounding rock with cement. This cementation prevents liquids from migrating uncontrollably between different geological layers. At the same time, cement and steel pipe protect the borehole from collapsing
• The structure is based on the structure of a telescope: in the upper area of the borehole are steel tubes with a large diameter. This diameter is reduced in the course of the drilling, so that ultimately four different pipe sizes are installed in the borehole
• Inside the borehole are special pipes, with both the production and injection pipes – technically designed to withstand heat and rust and not break due to the harsh conditions that arise during the life phase of a well
• If lithium is to be extracted from the thermal water, the technical structure of the plant can be more complex. Then, among other things, special heat exchangers and processes for material separation are used. Sometimes this requires additional, targeted drilling – all of which serves to make the best use of the heat and valuable raw materials.

The drilling depth is between 2.5 km and 4 km.

• Before each borehole, an elaborate geophysical preliminary exploration is required. This is necessary in order to plan the drill target and the necessary drill path. The preliminary exploration is then carried out to create a structural image of the subsoil. The depicted structures are interpreted – together with other geoscientific data (and drilling data and experiences from previous and/or nearby projects) in the region – for their potential to carry thermal water
• The amount of lithium in the thermal water can only be determined conclusively by analysing the extracted thermal water. Fortuitously, a number of thermal water samples from boreholes in the Upper Rhine Graben have already been analysed, giving Vulcan a good indication of the typical lithium content in the thermal waters in the various formations/ reservoirs, which is very consistent across the Rhein Graben.
• Based on these analyses and other comparative geological data, regional drilling history and extensive modelling, Vulcan estimates the thermal water at the proposed drill sites also contains an economically viable lithium concentration. The final proof is provided by a test borehole and subsequent analysis of the first thermal water extracted.

• The location of a well depends on the underground drilling target (reservoir) and the above-ground possibilities (location of the well site). The drilling target is determined by preliminary geophysical exploration (usually seismic measurements)
• When selecting the location for a well site, Vulcan complies with all applicable regulations (e.g. land use plan of the respective municipalities, site selection law), – in particular, the requirement that well sites must be located outside urban areas, water protection areas, and nature reserves. With Vulcan’s drilling technology, typically it is not necessary to drill straight down into the ground to reach thermal water.
• However, exceptions may be made if justified. In general, a weighing of interests takes place, which considers the needs of the residents, environmental protection and the operator. This is done prior to the drilling permit in a comprehensive process involving all stakeholders (so-called “public interest groups”). Safety, environmental protection and technical feasibility are always in the foreground.
• For Phase One Lionheart Project, the wells are being drilled in the north-east of the district of Insheim (Schleidberg), with others to be built in the northern part of Rohrbach (Trappelberg) and in the western part of Herxheim (40-Morgen). Additional drilling sites are yet to be determined.

• The drilling work is carried out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and takes several months for each well. Extensive consultation and communication are undertaken with local residents and other stakeholders prior to, and during, drilling operations.

• To transport the extracted thermal water to the central facilities for lithium extraction and energy supply, pipelines are required. These pipelines connect Vulcan’s various well sites with the central plants.
• After the lithium extraction, the thermal water is transported back to the well sites through the same pipelines and reinjected into the underground reservoir, where it can naturally recharge with heat and lithium.

• The pipelines run underground with an overburden of at least 1.5 metres. The route along which the pipelines run is called a corridor (German “Trasse”). It is a defined corridor in which something is laid over long distances.  The corridor width is between 12 and 14 metres, as two lines are laid for supply and return as well as power, control and communication lines.
• Subsequently, the area immediately above the pipeline corridor can be reused for agriculture. Vulcan has the goal of having as little impact on nature, the environment, agriculture and people as possible.
• The corridor will run along existing parcels and infrastructure facilities as far as possible. Furthermore, the interests of property owners and managers are considered. Co-ordination also takes place with the Farmers’ and Winegrowers’ Association and with the relevant chambers of agriculture.

• Seismicity is a risk associated with any utilisation of the subsurface (e.g. mining, drinking water extraction, hydrocarbon extraction). Vulcan’s aims to keep seismicity below the perception threshold and avoid even the slightest damage
• To achieve this, all activities during project development and operation are monitored using highly sensitive vibration measurements and operations are adjusted accordingly, and Vulcan’s operations always remain in the “green zone” of the best practice system deployed by the authorities.
  3D seismic technology used by Vulcan enables the subsurface to be investigated more precisely in advance, which is best practice and reduces risk,
• Interesting to know: In the incident in Staufen, where cracks occurred, no deep geothermal energy was used. These were not technically correctly executed drilling measures for geothermal energy, but at a maximum drilling depth of only 140 meters (Staufen 2020: Link)
• Seismology is the technique in which seismic waves are used to obtain information about the subsurface, while seismicity describes the observable earthquake activity in a region.

• The controlled construction and operation of a geothermal plant means that any seismicity causing damage is highly unlikely to occur
• In the unlikely event that damage occurs, it is expected to be minor and will be promptly and efficiently addressed by Vulcan. According to mining law, Vulcan would need to prove the company is not responsible for any damage incurred.
• Vulcan has developed a detailed liability concept which provides for a fund made available to settle minor claims via an independent ombudsman. In the unlikely event of major damage or frequent incidents, liability insurance covers the current value.
• If, contrary to expectations, all insurance policies fail, for whatever reason, the Mining Damage Compensation Fund steps in, in which all mining companies, including Vulcan, are jointly and severally involved. However, this insurance has never needed to be utilised since it was introduced in the 1970s

• Insurance covers the following areas:
  • Business liability insurance: This covers claims for damages (statutory liability under private law) if the business causes damage to property or persons — for example, through errors, omissions, or technical defects
  • Environmental liability insurance: This insures personal injury and property damage as well as pollution/ contamination of natural resources caused by environmental impacts – for example, through the release of pollutants
• Environmental damage insurance: This also covers legally required measures to remedy environmental damage – for example, to soil, water, or protected species – in accordance with the Environmental Damage Law (USchadG).

• In a seismic measurement, vibro trucks drive over roads and paths in the exploration area, lowering a plate to the ground and causing it to vibrate
• These vibrations are recorded by earth microphones, or geophones, and are comparable to the vibrations of a tram or heavy truck. Measuring points on sensitive infrastructure (e.g. bridges or pipelines) are excluded from the measurement and the measurement time in a municipality is limited
• The method works in a similar way to an ultrasound examination: sound waves are sent into the ground and reflected on various rock layers. The recorded data is then processed and evaluated.
• Seismology is the technique in which seismic waves are used to obtain information about the subsurface, while seismicity describes the observable earthquake activity in a region.

• Seismic surveys are conducted to obtain a better picture of the subsurface and to visualise the various soil layers at deeper levels
• In 2D seismic surveys, various cross-sections of the ground are generated. These cross-sections provide an initial impression of the nature of the subsurface and enable potential fracture zones in the ground to be identified. Importantly, this allows the criteria for 3D seismic surveys to be defined
• The 3D seismic technology then allows the subsurface to be explored in advance with greater precision than was possible in previous projects. This method can be used to locate hot water reservoirs, with the data also leading to reduced seismicity

• Insheim/ Landau Herbst 2022 (3D seismic)
• Mannheim 2022/23 (3D seismic)
• Ludwigsland 2024/25 (2D seismic)

• Vulcan has numerous exploration permits in the Upper Rhine Graben and is continuously reviewing where in-depth investigations would be useful and effective
• Vulcan is currently focusing on the known project regions. Further steps are being carefully prioritised and planned, considering geological, technical, and regulatory aspects.

• The seismic measurements at Vulcan follow a planned sequence. In the Landau region, for example, the vehicles (so called vibro trucks) stopped every 50 meters and generated sound waves once or twice for about 60 seconds each. These vibrations spread through the ground and are reflected by different rock layers
• The distances between the geophones and the vibration points, as well as the duration and intensity of the vibrations sent into the ground, depend on the nature of the subsoil
  Geophones are laid out every 50 meters on the surface. These sensitive sensors record the reflections of the sound waves. The collected data is used to create a detailed image of the subsurface

• In order to determine the geothermal potential of the area and to obtain a comprehensive picture of the subsurface, as many excitation points as possible must be distributed over a large area and geophones must be laid out to record the signal reflected from the subsurface. If towns are omitted from the measurements, this area will be missing from the picture of the subsurface. For this reason, some measurement lines also run through towns
• Measurement campaigns in the urban areas of Munich and Heidelberg, for example, were carried out successfully and without negative consequences.

• Vulcan takes the protection of sensitive buildings, such as listed buildings, very seriously. Detailed information about buildings, pipes and other sensitive areas is collected in advance. This allows the measurement lines to be adjusted accordingly. During the measurements, the trucks maintain a safe distance from listed buildings .
• In addition, ground vibration measurements are carried out at sensitive locations. These ensure that the vibrations generated during the measurements remain below the critical limits for sensitive buildings – and are therefore harmless to the building fabric.

• Vulcan complies with all applicable nature conservation regulations issued by the relevant nature conservation authorities. For example, measurements are taken outside the breeding and nesting season from October to the end of February
• In addition, there is ecological construction supervision, which monitors relevant areas on site.
• By the way: Vulcan is generally committed to greater environmental protection and nature conservation. In spring 2023, for example, it supported a lapwing breeding program run by the species conservation foundation at Karlsruhe Zoo.

• Frequency measures successive repetitions of a periodic process, such as an oscillation, while hertz (Hz) indicates how many oscillations occur per second (for example, a frequency of 1 Hz means that one oscillation occurs per second). The seismic measurements performed by Vulcan use frequencies between two hertz (Hz) and 96 Hz.
• Excitation with a broad frequency spectrum helps to identify precise geological structures and deposits (from Geowärme NRW).

• The vibrations generated by the seismic measurements can be felt near the trucks.
• To ensure that these vibrations do not cause any damage, additional measurements of ground vibrations are carried out.
• These measurements ensure that DIN 4150, which specifies guidelines for vibrations in construction and their effects on buildings, is complied with at all times. If the value comes close to the limit values, the measurement is stopped immediately to rule out any danger to buildings (from Geowärme NRW).

• The noise level of a seismic measurement is equivalent to that of a garbage truck. A garbage truck has a volume of about 85 dB.

• As a rule, measuring points on sensitive infrastructure (e.g. bridges or pipelines) are excluded from the measurement where necessary
• On soft soils, unpaved paths or pre-damaged roads, local damage can occur, such as marks in the unpaved paths. Vulcan is responsible for the repairs and/ or compensation
• To avoid damage, the vibration intensity can also be reduced or measuring points can be omitted altogether from certain points. This will be discussed individually with the affected municipalities and owners for each measuring point
• As a safety measure, the intensity of the vibrations at the nearest buildings is monitored. This ensures that the vibrations are within the specified DIN range to prevent possible damage
• All enquiries regarding Vulcan’s seismic measurements can be sent to seismik@v-er.eu.

Permitters are the contact persons on site. They obtain permits and approvals for Vulcan so the vibration vehicles are allowed to drive on paths and roads. In addition, they receive incident reports (even after the measurements have been completed).

The results of seismic surveys are available to the relevant authorities and are used in the course of their official duties, for example in the approval and review of procedures.

• Vulcan’s mission is to become Europe’s leading sustainable lithium business, enabling energy security through geothermal energy.
• Our integrated lithium and renewable energy project adapts existing, commercially proven technology to produce battery-quality lithium from naturally heated subsurface brine in the Upper Rhine Valley, to deliver a local source of sustainable lithium for the European battery industry, with a co-product of renewable energy to provide baseload renewable energy for local communities
• The Company has been listed on the Australian Stock Exchange since 2018 and additionally on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since the beginning of 2022
• Vulcan was founded by Dr. Francis Wedin und Dr. Horst Kreuter to counteract existing dependencies on lithium imports and establish a sustainable lithium production in Europe.
  In 2018, Wedin realized that the growing demand for lithium did not align with the emissions typically associated with its production. He began to question how the global need for lithium could be met without creating new environmental problems. From this line of thinking, the idea of extracting lithium from geothermal brine gradually emerged — a solution that is both sustainable and efficient. He captured his first thoughts on a whiteboard at the time — the starting point for a new approach to raw material production.

• Our goal: We will empower a carbon neutral future.
• Our mission: Becoming Europe’s leading sustainable lithium business and enabling energy security through geothermal energy.

Learn more

• Vulcan employs leading international experts in the field of deep geothermal energy and lithium extraction.
• The geothermal energy and power plant/heating and cooling systems sector is covered by two subsidiaries, Vulcan Energy Subsurface Solutions GmbH and Vulcan Energy Engineering GmbH, which have over 15 years of experience. Vulcan has been producing green electricity at the geothermal power plant in Insheim since January 2022.

• The Upper Rhine Graben is a large, approximately 300 km long graben system, which has consistent geothermal lithium reservoirs in the sedimentary rock.
• Vulcan currently has 16 licenses in the Upper Rhine Graben Brine Field (URVBF) with a total area of 1,790 km2, making it Europe’s largest lithium resource

Learn more

• The URVBF represents the largest lithium resource in Europe. It is a large, 300 km-long graben system with consistent geothermal lithium reservoirs in sedimentary rock. It is a well-known mature field with multiple chemical parks and more than 1,000 existing wells
• It contains a high lithium concentration in the brine (average 175 mg/l), with the high brine temperatures enabling efficient energy production (electricity, heat, cooling), and the favourable brine chemistry meaning that no chemical pre-treatment is required to extract the lithium from the brine
• It contains high delivery rates of thermal water due to the good rock permeability, and a comparatively low proportion of certain substances that could hinder lithium extraction
• It is located within close proximity to Europe’s automotive and emerging battery industry, giving the Project the potential advantage of a short product transport distance. 130 km covers Vulcan’s entire process, from wellsite to battery-quality product.

• Für Lithium: Umicore, LG Energy Solution, Stellantis, Glencore.
• Für Wärme: ESW, MVV Energie Mannheim and BASF (MoU).

No. Vulcan is not a monopolist, but rather a producer that supplies heat to existing local energy suppliers, such as municipal utilities. These, in turn, are subject to regulated energy pricing, as applies to basic services.

• Phase One is focused on Vulcan’s proven, brine-producing Lionheart development area in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
• In the first phase of the project, proven lithium reserves of 318,000 tonnes are to be extracted – this corresponds to about the first 15 years of planned production. For the following 15 years, i.e. from years 16 to 30, a further 252,000 tonnes are expected to be recoverable.
• 130km covers Vulcan’s entire process, from wellsite to battery-ready product.
• Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley is well supported by road, rail and river and a hub for industry.
• Vulcan’s customers are located within the region, reducing the lithium supply chain distance for EVs from 10,000s of kilometres to only a few hundred.
• Integrated renewable energy and lithium battery chemicals operation, close to lithium offtake customers and renewable heat customers.

Vulcan aims to begin commercial-scale lithium production 2.5 years after the construction of the commercial facilities.

Yes, Vulcan’s project is subject to the German Federal Mining Act (BBergG). The extraction of geothermal energy and the raw materials it contains, such as lithium, is legally classified as a mining activity. Accordingly, permits under mining law are required, which include environmental impact assessments, participation procedures, and close co-ordination with authorities and local communities. This procedure ensures the transparent and responsible use of natural resources.

• Vulcan communicates with local stakeholders via various channels, including regular information events and workshops, regional websites and social media channels, market announcements, and media.
  In the project regions, the regional management team also organises information events and guided tours on site. In addition, the team visits local communities with information trailers and stands to raise awareness of the project and respond to any queries.
• Vulcan has information centres operating where the public can learn more about the project and provide feedback. In addition, a Citizens’ Consultation Hour will be offered monthly from Summer 2025.
• Through various information and communication campaigns, Vulcan is in close contact with the population on upcoming project steps.
  Particular attention is paid to the local project regions: For example, Vulcan provides information about information stands at various weekly markets in the region. Citizens can also obtain information at any time, e.g. via the Vulcan citizen hotline or in the information centres.

• Erding has a population of about 37,000 inhabitants and has been supplied with district heating by deep geothermal energy for several years.
• Neurupp in Brandenburg is also a good example. Here, approximately 70,000 households are supplied with geothermal district heating in Winter.

Our team in the InfoCenter Landau:

• By email: via infocenterld@v-er.eu or kontakt@v-er.eu
• By phone: InfoCenter Landau at +49 6341 681 3220
• In person: InfoCenter Landau, Industriestraße 2, 76829 Landau.