Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing communication with a subterranean oil shale retort. This method can be used to provide a means of introducing fluids, such as a slurry of spent oil shale in water, into a retort. The method for providing lateral communication with a subterranean oil shale retort containing a rubblized retortable mass of oil shale, said retort being substantially surrounded by a mass of unmined formation comprises drilling at least one hole through the unmined formation adjacent to the retort; and providing communication between at least one of said holes and an adjacent retort; so that said drill hole can be used to communicate fluids to said retort. Fluids can be introduced into a spent retort which will form a supporting structure within said retort.