Work Project "Les Poteries Exploration"
Lithium de France, which is committed to developing the subsurface resources of Northern Alsace through the production of heat and geothermal lithium, recently submitted an application for an environmental authorisation permit for Les Poteries Exploration’ project, which involves drilling an exploration well in Soufflenheim.
Exploring the geothermal wealth of our land
The Rhine basin benefits from a favourable geology for the development of geothermal energy. The presence of high concentrations of lithium in the geothermal brine of the Upper Rhine Graben has also been known for years.
In Northern Alsace, Lithium de France has obtained several Exclusive Research Permits (PER) covering an area of approximately 322 km², including « Les Poteries » and « Les Poteries Minérales » PER, which span the municipality of Soufflenheim.
« Les Poteries » and « Les Poteries Minérales » PERs cover an area of 151 km² to the east of the Haguenau Forest. Its 19 municipalities span three federations of municipalities: Pays Rhénan, Outre-Forêt, and the Haguenau urban community.
Significant geological potential
Since 2022, Lithium de France has been exploring the subsurface of Northern Alsace to assess potential resources within the scope of its PERs. This work, carried out by our experts in geology, geophysics and geomechanics, involves analysis of existing historical data, measurements performed on rock samples and exploration campaigns.
To the east of the Haguenau Forest, the geological structure differs from that of the Outre-Forêt, where our « Les Sources » and « Les Sources Alcalines » PERs are located. It is also less known. Limited work was carried out in the past, such as an exploration well for hydrocarbons in 2014 near the Soufflenheim walk, and this geological characterization work needs to be completed.
In September 2023, Lithium de France ran a 2D exploration campaign in this area, followed in September 2024 by a 3D exploration campaign, covering 67 km².
Why an exploration well?
Lithium de France wants to collect a set of data to confirm the nature of the subsurface and determine the nature of the geothermal brine, in particular its flow rate, temperature and lithium content.
‘Les Poteries Exploration’ drilling project involves drilling an exploratory well to an approximate total vertical depth of approximately 2,900 meters.
Where?
The drilling site is located south of Soufflenheim, on a portion of the former Maechler sawmill site. This wasteland is to be converted into a business area. Photovoltaic panels will also be installed.
A temporary drilling platform
A Well with Limited Impact
The selected drilling rig is electric and hydraulic. It stands 52 meters tall and operates quietly. The acoustic study conducted in 2024 shows that the project will have a low impact on the surrounding residents.
Only one well will be drilled. A network of seismic monitoring stations will be set up before the project is carried out.
Uninterrupted traffic flow
No traffic interruptions are expected and traffic is expected to flow freely throughout the project.
Protection of groundwater
The installation of a triple layer of casing -plus cementation work in the well will ensure complete isolation of the groundwater.
Preservation of fauna and flora
An ecological study was conducted over 4 seasons on this industrial wasteland prior to lodging the permit application. The project does not impact the various species families present.
Regulatory framework
This project is subject to a public consultation from March 5 to June 11, 2025, as a result of the drilling request submitted by Lithium de France on December 27, 2024.
A public consultation is a regulatory procedure outlined in the French Environmental Code, aimed at fulfilling two main objectives: informing the public and gathering their feedback. At the end of the consultation, the investigating commissioner will write a report summarizing the consultation process and the public’s observations. He will then make his conclusions and recommendations. The decision following the public consultation will be a prefectural order from the Préfet du Bas-Rhin, granting or denying the environmental authorization for the commencement of mining works.
Project phases
Subject to obtaining the environmental authorization for the commencement of exploratory mining works, the “Les Poteries Exploration” project will take place over a period of about ten months.
Les actualités du projet
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