El BRIDGE project It aims to strengthen cooperation between Germany and Chile through the creation of a virtual institute. The scientific objective is to identify and evaluate techniques for extracting raw materials from fluids in different types of deposits in Germany and Chile. Through the characterization and modeling of relevant geological reservoirs in both countries, it is possible to understand their geochemical, mineralogical, petrological, and structural properties, which directly influence the extraction of critical raw materials (CRMs) such as lithium, potassium, manganese, strontium, and bromine.
In Chile, research to date has focused primarily on the salt flats of Atacama and Maricunga, while in Germany, geothermal, oil, and gas reservoirs with high concentrations of dissolved CRMs are being investigated, where mineral extraction has not previously been a primary objective. In parallel, cutting-edge direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies are being evaluated at selected sites in both countries, and their opportunities and limitations are being compared.

The objective of this collaboration is to generate relevant knowledge for the sustainable and efficient extraction of critical raw materials essential to both German and Chilean industries. Germany, as a major consumer of raw materials—particularly lithium from Chile—and Chile, seeking to diversify the exploitation of its salt flats and introduce more sustainable technologies such as DLE, will significantly benefit from this partnership. The initiative addresses the need to establish strategic alliances to secure the supply of critical raw materials, as highlighted in the European Critical Raw Materials Act.

The structure of the project is divided into four work packages, which include coordination and management; institutionalization; assessment of extraction potential; and communication and dissemination of results.

They are established joint research lines and is created scientific advisory board with representatives from the industry of both countries.

The project focuses on the direct extraction of elements (DEE) from fluid reservoirs, investigating both extraction technologies and their effects on fluid chemistry and reservoir interactions.

Among its objectives are identifying potential target fluids and elements in formations in Germany and Chile, evaluating existing extraction technologies, and characterizing geological reservoirs.

In addition, extraction and leaching experiments will be conducted, transport models will be developed, and the economic and environmental considerations of different approaches will be evaluated.

BRIDGE It establishes collaboration structures in the field of critical raw materials and facilitates contact between the industries of both countries.

In the medium term, sectors such as automotive manufacturing, batteries, wind turbines, and fertilizers could benefit from the extraction of critical raw materials from fluids, a process that could significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

The objective of the project is to develop methods to assess fluid reservoirs with a view to the extraction of raw materials, further strengthening the renewed collaboration between Germany and Chile in the raw materials and energy sectors, as well as in research and development investments carried out in both countries.