Method and system for enhancing subsurface permeability via electromagnetic fields and electromagnetically responsive particles

A method of increasing mineral dissolution and permeability in a subsurface formation, comprising:

• (a) introducing a plurality of electromagnetically responsive granular particles into one or more fractures or other fluid-conducting pathways within the subsurface formation, the fractures or pathways containing a conductive fluid, wherein the granular particles are sized and configured to maintain fluid flow through the fractures or pathways without substantial occlusion;
• (b) applying, from a location at or near the surface, an electromagnetic field having a selected waveform, frequency and amplitude;
• (c) inductively coupling the applied electromagnetic energy to the conductive fluid within the fractures or pathways to induce electric currents within a fracture network or pathways;
• (d) causing interaction between the induced electric current and the granular particles to modify local electric field gradients and current density distributions within the fractures or pathways;
• (e) thereby inducing electrochemical redox reactions at mineral surfaces within the fractures or pathways;
• and
• (f) thereby increasing permeability or fluid-path connectivity of the subsurface formation.