Abstract: Systems are described for dissolving metal silicates to: produce metal hydroxide; remove carbon dioxide or other acid gases from the atmosphere or other gas mixture by reacting such gases with the metal hydroxide; penetrate or excavate metal silicates; extract metals or silicon-containing compounds from metal silicates; and produce hydrogen and oxygen or other gases.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing a planar cavern are provided. The planar cavern is formed by first creating a continuous bore that extends through a subsurface resource deposit. The drill head used to create the bore can be steered in response to information about the concentration of the resource in the strata through which the drill head is passing, in order to keep the bore within resource deposit. The continuous bore can be formed by connecting first and second bores at a point within the subsurface resource deposit. After the continuous bore has been formed, a sawing assembly is placed within the continuous bore. The sawing assembly is then moved, in a continuous or in a reciprocating fashion, within the continuous bore. As the sawing assembly is moved, it is maintained under tension, to create a planar cavern. By thus exposing a large area of the resource deposit, a relatively large amount of the resource deposit can be dissolved in a solvent introduced to the planar cavern per unit time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing a planar cavern are provided. The planar cavern is formed by first creating a continuous bore that extends through a subsurface resource deposit. The continuous bore can be formed by connecting first and second bores at a point within the subsurface resource deposit. After the continuous bore has been formed, a sawing assembly is placed within the continuous bore. The sawing assembly is then moved, in a continuous or in a reciprocating fashion, within the continuous bore. As the sawing assembly is moved, it is maintained under tension, to create a planar cavern. By thus exposing a large area of the resource deposit, a relatively large amount of the resource deposit can be dissolved in a solvent introduced to the planar cavern per unit time. Saturated solution can then be pumped from the planar cavern, and the resource recovered from the saturated solution by evaporation.

Abstract: Methods and facilities are provided for extracting a metal, such as an actinide from a solid, such as an ore. A novel class of dendritic macromolecules is provided for use in such extraction having a core, a hyperbranched structure, and a plurality of units satisfying the formula —NR2(C?O)R1, in which R1 is not a continuation of the hyperbranched structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method is provided herein for performing a leaching process on a substrate (113). In accordance with the method, a freeze wall (115) is created which isolates a portion (117) of a substrate, and the isolated portion of the substrate is subjected to a leaching process.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for improving component extraction from heap leach operations. Following heap leaching for some time, portions of the heap deficient in component extraction are identified, and treatment wells are drilled and remedial treatments are selectively performed on the identified portions of the heap. The remedial treatment can include hydraulically fracturing the identified portions of the heap followed by selective treatment with leach solution of the area impacted by the fracturing.

Abstract: A relatively warm mineral deposit is solution mined by injecting fluid through a well drilled into the deposit and dissolving the mineral to form a production brine. Warm production brine is cooled at the surface using a heat exchanger as a crystallizer to precipitate the mineral in the exchanger and form a slurry. Crystals of the mineral in the slurry are recovered in a separation plant leaving a relatively cool, dilute or depleted brine, which is conveyed through the heat exchanger for cooling the production brine and then injected into the mineral deposit to dissolve more mineral thereby providing a continuous process. A pipe-in-pipe heat exchanger is preferably used and in a manner so that the heat exchanger also serves as a primary means for conveying the production fluid and/or slurry from the well to the separation plant.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method includes treating a hydrocarbon containing formation. The method may include providing heat to the formation; producing heated fluid from the formation; and generating electricity from at least a portion of the heated fluid using a Kalina cycle.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from water-containing hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined or separately collected water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via an outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: A method for producing a lignite product comprising the steps of (a) digging lignite from a lignite seam, (b) grinding the lignite, (c) forming a slurry comprising the lignite, (d) transporting the slurry to a locus for drying, and (e) drying the slurry to form a lignite product, wherein steps (a) to (c) are carried out using a mobile device.

Abstract: A method of treating an oil shale formation in situ includes providing heat directly from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation. The heat is controlled to maintain an average temperature of the portion below a dissociation temperature of carbonate minerals in the portion. A first fluid is injected into the portion of the formation. A second fluid is produced from the formation. An in situ conversion process is conducted in the portion of the formation.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsurface organic-rich rock formation, for example an oil shale formation, in which the oil shale formation contains water-soluble minerals, for example nahcolite, is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ. Optionally, this heating step may be performed prior to any substantial removal of water-soluble minerals from the organic-rich rock formation. In accordance with the method, the heating of the organic-rich rock formation both pyrolyzes at least a portion of the formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to create hydrocarbon fluids, and converts at least a portion of the water-soluble minerals, for example, converts nahcolite to soda ash. Thereafter, the hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.

Abstract: A process for the production and recovery of crystalline sodium sesquicarbonate and of crystalline sodium carbonate monohydrate from aqueous liquors containing sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The crystalline products may optionally be heated or calcined to produce soda ash. The process is particularly suited for the recovery of soda ash from aqueous minewater streams obtained from solution mining of subterranean trona ore deposits.

Abstract: Mining method for co-extraction of non-combustible ore and mine methane A method for co-extracting non-combustible ore (e.g., trona) and methane from an underground formation comprising at least one methane-bearing layer and a non-combustible ore bed having a rock roof, comprising: providing a well having a downhole end positioned above the ore bed roof; mining an ore region from an initial cavity and removing the mined ore, thereby creating a subsequent cavity; advancing the mining step to another ore region from the subsequent cavity; allowing the roof of the initial cavity to cave so as to create a gob; repeating the mining, advancing and caving steps, the caving being effective in generating fluid communication between the gob and the well downhole end and in fracturing the methane-bearing layer so as to release methane into the gob; and recovering a gob gas comprising released methane through the well to the surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sulfur extraction process comprise treating mined sulfur ore with a disulfide oil to dissolve the sulfur in the ore. The process occurs at a temperature less than a temperature sufficient to melt sulfur. The sulfur crystals may be isolated by cooling the dissolved sulfur to a temperature sufficient to crystallize the sulfur. An apparatus for extracting sulfur from sulfur ore comprises a first receptacle for contacting a disulfide oil with mined sulfur ore at an elevated temperature sufficient to dissolve sulfur, a second receptacle coupled to the first receptacle for cooling dissolved sulfur such that sulfur crystals form, and a filtration apparatus coupled to the second receptacle for isolating the sulfur crystals. Solvents used in the apparatus may be recycled.

Abstract: A relatively warm mineral deposit is solution mined by injecting fluid through a well drilled into the deposit and dissolving the mineral to form a production brine. Warm production brine is cooled at the surface using a heat exchanger as a crystallizer to precipitate the mineral in the exchanger and form a slurry. Crystals of the mineral in the slurry are recovered in a separation plant leaving a relatively cool, dilute or depleted brine, which is conveyed through the heat exchanger for cooling the production brine and then injected into the mineral deposit to dissolve more mineral thereby providing a continuous process. A pipe-in-pipe heat exchanger is preferably used and in a manner so that the heat exchanger also serves as a primary means for conveying the production fluid and/or slurry from the well to the separation plant.

Abstract: Methods for forming a barrier around at least a portion of a treatment area in a subsurface formation are described herein. Sulfur may be introduced into one or more wellbores located inside a perimeter of a treatment area in the formation having a permeability of at least 0.1 darcy. At least some of the sulfur is allowed to move towards portions of the formation cooler than the melting point of sulfur to solidify the sulfur in the formation to form the barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method for treating a nahcolite containing subsurface formation includes solution mining a first nahcolite bed above a hydrocarbon containing layer using a plurality of first solution mining wells. A second nahcolite bed is solution mined below the hydrocarbon containing layer using a plurality of second solution mining wells. At least one of the first solution mining wells is converted into a production well. The hydrocarbon containing layer is heated using a plurality of heaters. Formation fluid is produced from at least one converted first solution mining well.

Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising nahcolite is disclosed. The method includes providing a first fluid to a portion of the formation through at least two injection wells. A second fluid is produced from the portion through at least one injection well until at least two injection wells are interconnected such that fluid can flow between the two injection wells. The second fluid includes at least some nahcolite dissolved in the first fluid. The first fluid is injected through one of the interconnected injection wells. The second fluid is produced from at least one of the interconnected injection wells. Heat is provided from one or more heaters to the formation to heat the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising dawsonite includes assessing a dawsonite composition of one or more zones in the formation. Heat from one or more heaters is provided to the formation such that different amounts of heat are provided to zones with different dawsonite compositions. The provided heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to the formation. Fluids are produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising dawsonite includes providing heat from one or more heaters to the formation to heat the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation. At least some dawsonite in the formation is decomposed with the provided heat. A chelating agent is provided to the formation to dissolve at least some dawsonite decomposition products. The dissolved dawsonite decomposition products are produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising nahcolite includes providing a first fluid to a portion of the formation. A second fluid is produced from the portion. The second fluid includes at least some nahcolite dissolved in the first fluid. A controlled amount of oxidant is provided to the portion of the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.

Abstract: A novel class of dendritic macromolecules is provided having a core, a hyperbranched structure, and a plurality of units satisfying the formula —NR2(C?O)R1, in which R1 is not a continuation of the hyperbranched structure. Methods of preparing these dendritic macromolecules are also provided, as well as methods of using dendritic macromolecules, including those described above, in separation processes or as part of in situ leach mining processes. A class of facilities for in situ leach mining is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method by which the mine can obtain a supply of calcium cyanide for use in its leaching operations. Specifically, one preferred method within the scope of the invention involves producing hydrogen cyanide directly at a mine site using formamide as a starting material. Alternative methods of producing hydrogen cyanide at the mine site using easily transportable starting materials, such as methanol and urea, are disclosed. The hydrogen cyanide is neutralized at the mine site with slaked lime (Ca(OH)2) to form the calcium cyanide.

Abstract: A method for solution mining nahcolite, capable of extracting nahcolite from geological formations lean in nahcolite comprising injecting high pressure water (which may include recycled aqueous solution of bicarb and sodium carbonate) at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the formation, dissolving nahcolite in the hot water to form a production solution and recovering the production solution. The invention also includes the processing of the production solution to provide sodium carbonate and, optionally, sodium bicarbonate, comprising: decomposing the sodium bicarbonate portion of the hot aqueous production solution to form a hot aqueous solution of sodium carbonate; evaporating water from the hot aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate to form a concentrated solution of sodium carbonate; producing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the concentrated solution of sodium carbonate by crystallization; and dewatering and calcining the sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. In one embodiment, heat from one or more heaters may be provided to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to at least a part of the formation. In certain embodiments, the heat from the one or more heaters may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the formation. In an embodiment, a first fluid may be introduced into at least a portion of the formation. The portion may have previously undergone an in situ conversion process. A mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid (or a second compound) may be produced from the formation. In some embodiments, a first fluid may be provided to the formation prior to pyrolyzing hydrocarbons in the formation, and a second fluid (or a second compound) may be produced prior to pyrolyzing hydrocarbons in the formation.

Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to the treatment area. Fluids may be injected into the formation to remove a component within the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. In some embodiments, fluids may be injected prior to production of formation fluids. Alternatively, fluids may be injected after production of formation fluids.

Abstract: A method for solution mining nahcolite, capable of extracting nahcolite from geological formations lean in nahcolite comprising injecting high pressure water (which may include recycled aqueous solution of bicarb and sodium carbonate) at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the formation, dissolving nahcolite in the hot water to form a production solution and recovering the production solution. The invention also includes the processing of the production solution to provide sodium carbonate and, optionally, sodium bicarbonate, comprising: decomposing the sodium bicarbonate portion of the hot aqueous production solution to form a hot aqueous solution of sodium carbonate; evaporating water from the hot aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate to form a concentrated solution of sodium carbonate; producing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the concentrated solution of sodium carbonate by crystallization; and dewatering and calcining the sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the productivity of a subterranean well comprising passing a solvent out of a string of production casing through perforations proximate an unfractured soluble formation, dissolving a region of the soluble formation to create a cavity therein, and increasing the size of the cavity until the subterranean formation proximate the cavity collapses.

Abstract: A method for solution mining nahcolite, capable of extracting nahcolite from geological formations lean in nahcolite comprising injecting high pressure water (which may include recycled aqueous solution of bicarb and sodium carbonate) at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the formation, dissolving nahcolite in the hot water to form a production solution and recovering the production solution. The invention also includes the processing of the production solution to provide sodium carbonate and, optionally, sodium bicarbonate, comprising: decomposing the sodium bicarbonate portion of the hot aqueous production solution to form a hot aqueous solution of sodium carbonate; evaporating water from the hot aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate to form a concentrated solution of sodium carbonate; producing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the concentrated solution of sodium carbonate by crystallization; and dewatering and calcining the sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate.

Abstract: The invention comprises a high pressure fluid barrier forming an enclosure boundary with respect to overburden and floor strata separated by one or more production strata containing desirable fluidizable deposits and/or potential reaction materials. A centrally located Super Daisy Shaft delivers a highest pressure fluid to the enclosure boundary by way of envelope conduits extending laterally horizontal and/or downward from the Super Daisy Shaft (or a trench from which such conduits may also extend) into the production strata.

Abstract: A method for solution mining nahcolite, capable of extracting nahcolite from geological formations lean in nahcolite comprising injecting high pressure water (which may include recycled aqueous solution of bicarb and sodium carbonate) at a temperature of at least 250° F. into the formation, dissolving nahcolite in the hot water to form a production solution and recovering the production solution. The invention also includes the processing of the production solution to provide sodium carbonate and, optionally, sodium bicarbonate, comprising: decomposing the sodium bicarbonate portion of the hot aqueous production solution to form a hot aqueous solution of sodium carbonate; evaporating water from the hot aqueous solution comprising sodium carbonate to form a concentrated solution of sodium carbonate; producing sodium carbonate monohydrate from the concentrated solution of sodium carbonate by crystallization; and dewatering and calcining the sodium carbonate monohydrate to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate.

Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a desired temperature. An average temperature and/or pressure within the formation may be controlled to inhibit production of hydrocarbons that have carbon numbers greater than a selected carbon number. In some embodiments, the selected carbon number may be 25. A small amount of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers greater than the selected carbon number may be entrained in vapor produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method for selecting an emulsifier for isolating free hydrocarbons in a given drilling system and a method of using the emulsifiers to treat drill cuttings to isolate free hydrocarbons, including bitumen.

Abstract: A borehole mining tool comprising a drill string having an inner pipe column and an outer pipe column. Water is forced under high pressure down an annulus between the outer pipe and inner pipe. A hydromonitor is attached to the end of the drill string. A nozzle in the hydromonitor directs the pressurized water into a stope or work area, thereby loosening the material to be mined. The slurry is educted from the mined area by the action of a venturi attached downstream of the hydromonitor. Water flow through the venturi creates a vacuum which draws the pregnant slurry from the work area up through the inner pipe to the surface. A plurality of tools may be attached to the hydromonitor by a connection comprising a gasket having an interference fit. The gasket allows quick connection and removal of a plurality of tools from the hydromonitor. A radar is include to provide an image of the stope being worked.

Abstract: The formation of scale on equipment surface in contact with sodium alkali containing brines is inhibited by the addition of an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or salt thereof to the brines.

Abstract: A solution mining process for recovering sodium values from an underground deposit of a sodium bicarbonate containing ore is disclosed. The process involves contacting the ore with an aqueous sodium carbonate-containing solution to produce a dilute brine which is stripped with steam to reduce the bicarbonate content and increase the carbonate content. The dilute carbonate/bicarbonate solution from the stripper is fed to a sodium carbonate decahydrate crystallizer to produce pure sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals and a mother liquor containing less than about 4% sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: An in-situ reactor with hydrologic cells is provided to facilitate recovery of metals such as gold from rocks, or purification of salts such as potassium or magnesium chloride formed by evaporation of brines, by injecting into a source aquifer a fluid, which flows through and reacts with the solids or host rock within the in-situ reactor and then flows into a sink aquifer, from it is drained or pumped out via an exhaust borehole into a plant or a facility for further chemical treatment.

Abstract: For use in a field having a plurality of interspersed injection and production wells that extend to a mineral bearing formation, a system for extracting the mineral from the formation having a jet pump system for each production well, each pump system having a power fluid inlet and a production fluid outlet at the earth's surface, a bottom hole fluid inlet, a solvent reservoir at the earth's surface providing a source of liquid solvent and reservoir having connection to each of the injection wells by which solvent is conveyed to the mineral producing formation to produce a bottom hole reservoir of mineral laden bottom hole fluid, a power fluid reservoir at the earth's surface, a high pressure pump at the earth's surface connected between the power fluid reservoir and the power fluid inlet of each of the jet pump systems for moving power fluid through the jet pump systems to draw in bottom hole fluid that is mixed with the power fluid to provide production fluid that is moved to the earth's surface; and a mine

Abstract: This invention uses a combination of drilling, dissolving, and sinking to emplace a closed end well pipe into a salt formation. The well which results can be used to produce geothermal power or for such other purposes for which it may offer an advantage. This method uses the following combination of properties of salt to achieve the desired result: solubility in water, plasticity at relatively low temperatures, and occurrence in large, deeply penetrating structures.

Abstract: A process and a system for the solution mining of evaporites and preparation of the obtained saline solution and in particular for the dissolution of salts, evaporation and cooling of the obtained saline solution, and crystallization of salts under subtropical and tropical climatic conditions. The invention can also be applied for the preparation of naturally occurring saline solutions. In the process and system of the invention, a solvent is heated in a solar pond by means of solar energy to a temperature above ambient condition and up to approximately 60.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. The heated solvent is introduced into a cavern to be solution mined to produce a production brine which is heated. The heated production brine leaves the cavern and is then cooled along with water evaporation whereby solids crystallize and separate producing a solid product and a cold mother solution.

Abstract: The methods for decreasing scale formation in processes for the production of soda ash from trona or nahcolite ores are provided. Diphosphonic acid materials such as 1-hydroxy-ethylidene diphosphonic acid, 1-hydroxy-propylidene-1,-diphosphonic acid, 1-hydroxy-butylidene-1,-diphosphonic acid and 1-hydroxy-pentylidene-1,-diphosphonic acid have been found to diminish significantly the formation of magnesium scale in such processes.

Abstract: A process for hollowing out a cavity, by dissolution, in a ground formation comprising at least one layer containing predominantly salt, the process including the steps of drilling at least one hole having a substantially horizontal section arranged at least in part in the salt layer, providing in the drilled hole(s) an injection pipe, an extraction pipe and a preliminary communication space connecting the injection pipe and the extraction pipe, injecting a solvent of the salt, into the communication space, through one end of the injection pipe forming an injection point, extracting, through the extraction pipe, the brine formed by the dissolution of the salt, in contact with the solvent, producing a plurality of preliminary sub-cavities in the salt layer, and producing a succession of channels, isolated from the layer, the succession of channels connecting the plurality of preliminary sub-cavities in a fluid manner two at a time in order to form an open circuit for circulation of the solvent, expending betwe

Abstract: A foldable seat for a foldable invalid walker where the seat folds flush against the side of the walker when the user is not using the seat.

Abstract: A solution mining process for recovering sodium values from an underground deposit of a sodium bicarbonate containing ore is disclosed. The process involves contacting the ore with an aqueous sodium carbonate-containing solution to produce a dilute brine which is stripped with steam to reduce the bicarbonate content and increase the carbonate content. The dilute carbonate/bicarbonate solution from the stripper is fed to a sodium carbonate decahydrate crystallizer to produce pure sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals and a mother liquor containing less than about 4% sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A method for concurrently transporting and leaching metal values from an ore or concentrate containing said metal values from an originating site such as an elevated site to a delivery site comprising the steps of crushing and/or grinding the ore or concentrate to form a particulate having a size range suitable for transport by gravity or a combination of pumping and gravity as a solid constituent in an aqueous slurry, forming an aqueous slurry of from about 30 to about 70 percent by weight of said particulate in an aqueous medium, and adjusting said aqueous slurry to contain an effective amount of a lixiviant for dissolution of said metal values into the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A process is described for solution mining isolated, mechanically mined-out areas of soluble evaporite ore to recover remaining ore reserves, wherein the mined-out areas are separated from an operational mine area by barrier pillars of the evaporite ore, by drilling at least one vertical well bore from the surface to a predefined distance above the evaporite ore body, converting the drilling of the vertical well bore to a substantially horizontal well bore at a predetermined distance below the ground level, continuing the drilling parallel to and within the evaporite ore body to form a well bore one end of which is connected to the mined-out area, developing a connection from the operating mine area to the other end of the well bore, drilling an injection well from the surface into the mined-out area, injecting an aqueous solvent into the injection well, passing the solvent into the mined-out area, removing solvent enriched in dissolved evaporite ore from the mined-out area, passing such enriched solvent from

Abstract: A new method for making large underground storage caverns in bedded or domal salt deposits for the storage of fluid materials in areas where solution mining water temperatures are low by a process which significantly reduces the amount of time required to make equivalent sized underground storage caverns and which is economically feasible and friendly to the environment. The process includes the warm water solution mining of the underground salt deposits in a manner which conserves the heat contained in the supernatant brine from the underground cavity and employs this heat as a significant source for warming the water employed in the solution mining operation.