Abstract: A process for enhanced oil recovery by gas injection into oil-bearing formations which comprises wet oxidizing combustible carbonaceous materials with oxygen, air or a mixture of oxygen and air to obtain a gas comprising a mixture of water vapor and carbon dioxide (and nitrogen in the event air is used), substantially free of oxides of sulfur and nitrogen; injecting said gaseous mixture into an oil-bearing formation to produce a mixture of oil and water; extracting said mixture of oil and water from the oil-bearing formation; separating the water from the latter mixture; and recycling the water to the wet oxidation reactor. Residual oil in the recycled water provides additional fuel for the wet oxidation reaction, and at the same time the need for costly water treatment is eliminated.

Abstract: A process for dewatering slimes produced in mining and mineral processing operations whereby wet oxidation at 150.degree.-320.degree. C. renders the solids rapidly settleable. Sufficient oxygen is supplied to meet or exceed oxygen demand. Inorganic solids in the oxidized product are separated and optionally further dewatered to a friable solid. Clarified water is recycled to the mining, mineral processing or other operations, or treated further, or discharged to the environment. Steam resulting from the wet oxidation is utilized in the mining or mineral processing operations.