Abstract: A guide for drilling a straight section of a bore hole deflected from the vertical. The apparatus comprises either a normally straight or a curved-straight tubular member which has a plurality of generally circumferential cuts disposed along the length of the guide. The cuts allow the guide to be bent sufficiently to enter and traverse a short radius curve and then return to its normal configuration for guiding the drilling of the straight portion of the deflected bore hole. A clutch mechanism disposed in the drill guide permits engagement of the guide by the drill string for orientation of the guide.

Abstract: Mineral values are recovered from underground formations, and pollution of the formation is substantially diminished if not eliminated, by determining the geometry of an ore body and thereafter isolating the body by the formation of an impermeable barrier thereabout which has the capability of retaining leaching fluid therewithin. Leaching fluid remains downhole without substantial dilution by formation fluid, and conversely without pollution of the surrounding formation, until the mineral values are chemically changed into a recoverable substance which is subsequently pumped to the surface of the earth. In one embodiment of the invention, uranium values are recovered by the use of an organic extractant liquid admixed with an acid aqueous leaching fluid by homogenizing the two solutions prior to pumping the mixture downhole into contact with the ore deposit.