Abstract: An in situ leaching or solution mining process is conducted in a subterranean cavity in communication with a well bore. The subterranean cavity is gradually enlarged by inducing spallation of formation particles and/or collapse of the roof into the cavity by repeatedly cycling the hydraulic pressure in the subterranean cavity. The hydraulic pressure is preferably increased during a period of at least about two hours. The hydraulic pressure can be gradually decreased during a period of at least about two hours or can be suddenly decreased. Rapid pressure pulses can be applied to liquid in the subterranean cavity by detonation of shaped charges of explosive with the axis of force of the charge being directed along the axis of the well.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for monitoring from time to time earth/soil/rock movements. The invention comprises a simplified apparatus for use in a vertically driven hole into an underground earth/strata formation for such purposes; and features use of vertically aligned but spaced apart casing sections in a single bore hole. The casing sections are individually bonded to adjacent strata, whereby movements thereof relative to one another may be monitored by means of a single, repeatedly usable torpedo suspending and subterranean level reading line.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for more safely conducting an underground mechanical mining operation such as typically employs successive drilling, blasting, and product removing processes against a mine work face which is conducted from within an open mine room or the like in an underground deposit of salt. Such materials are per se impervious to fluid transmission therethrough but as they occur in underground deposits vicariously include pockets of or channels for outlet from traps of pressurized fluid accumulations, such as would be dangerous to the mining operation if inadvertently encountered incidental to the routine drilling and blasting processes.

Abstract: An improved in-situ ore body chemical-mining system and method are disclosed, whereby it is practicable to mine an ore body of substantially horizontally extended configuration which would otherwise be uneconomical because of adverse overhead or overburden conditions. Beginning adjacent the distal ends of two or more generally horizontally drilled and substantially parallel bore holes which are drilled into the ore body from an elevation substantially similar to that of the ore body, a combination of permeabilizing and mining processes are applied to the body of ore circumjacent the horizontal penetration. The permeabilizing and mining processes are retrogressively applied to successive blocks of the ore body retreating by stages from the distal region of the penetration towards the entry region thereof.

Abstract: An improved electric power regeneration system, featuring reduced environmental air and thermal pollution. The system employs a method and means whereby during periods of low load demands upon a conventional type electric power generating plant, the excess power then available is employed (at low cost to the system) to pump low temperature ambient air (or any other suitably heat-absorbent gas) at relatively low pressure into a subterranean cavity in a salt deposit which is in thermal communication via an interconnecting spire or dome of salt with a geological "mother bed" occurring at such depths below the earth's surface as to constitute a constant high heat source. The air/gas conduit system is intermittently closed, whereupon the heat intake from the earth's center causes significant storage of heat energy in the entrapped air/gas and substantial increases of the pressures under which it is entrapped.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved system method for in situ extraction of mineral values from subterranean deposits of ores of the oxide; carbonate; sulphide, or other type ores which contain sought-for metal values and which evolve gas when reacted with suitable chemicals in solution and/or gaseous form. The invention is particularly applicable to in situ mining of the previously found types of copper, nickel, manganese, etc. oxide, carbonate, and sulphide ores and the like; and especially features conservation of energy which otherwise would be wasted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in binding dust particles such as coal dust in mining operations by coating exposed surfaces in mine workings with a dust binding agent. Additives to the binding agent enhance dust entrapment and may be coated on the exposed surfaces after an initial layer of binding agent has been structured in the mine workings.