Abstract: Uranium ore deposits which contain uranium in the relatively insoluble tetravalent state are readily selectively leached in situ to recover relatively pure uranium compounds, by: (a) passing through the ore deposit a relatively dilute aqueous leach solution of ammonium bicarbonate, ferric ammonium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and a source of oxygen, the leach solution converting the tetravalent uranium to hexavalent uranium which readily dissolves in the leach solution; (b) withdrawing the reacted leach solution enriched in dissolved uranium from the ore deposit; and (c) stripping the uranium from the withdrawn leach solution. The stripping of the uranium from the leach solution is preferably accomplished by countercurrent flow of the enriched leach solution to a column of base anion exchange material which preferentially extracts the uranium.

Abstract: An ion exchange process for the recovery of uranium from a pregnant lixiviant employed in uranium leaching operations in which the lixiviant contains chloride ions inhibiting the adsorption of uranyl ions. The ion exchange resin employed to adsorb uranium from the lixiviant has cationic adsorption sites provided by quaternary ammonium groups having a hydroxyalkyl group as a quaternizing substituent. Through the use of a resin of this type, the resin loading in the presence of chloride ions is materially increased.

Abstract: A method for dissolving a deposit of elemental sulfur by contacting the deposit with dialkyl disulfides catalyzed with an aliphatic amine in which a small amount of sulfur is added to the disulfide amine mixture before it is used as a sulfur solvent. The small percentage of sulfur added increases the rate at which the disulfide dissolves such sulfur deposit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of solution mining a mineral from a subterranean deposit thereof, where an aqueous solvent is introduced into the deposit and a solution enriched in the mineral is withdrawn from the deposit through a conduit which traverses a water bearing formation which overlies the deposit. The improvement comprises establishing through the wall of the conduit communication between the water bearing formation and the conduit to effect dilution of the enriched withdrawn solution thereby avoiding plugging of the conduit caused by crystallization of the mineral.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of increasing the solution mining rate of potassium chloride from a cavity in a subterranean ore deposit containing potassium chloride and sodium chloride, in which cavity ore has been rubblized to effect a large contact surface area, by (1) solution mining the ore rubble at a first temperature for a time sufficient to determine the mining rate at that temperature; (2) increasing the temperature of the cavity solution to a temperature determined to be near the highest temperature at which the invariant composition is achievable at the solvent dissolving rate; and (3) solution mining the ore at the higher temperature.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for recovering bitumen from tar sands and the like in which the tar sand is mechanically dislodged from the formation in which it is deposited and in which a solvent for the bitumen is mixed with the mined material to reduce the viscosity of the bitumen and thereby facilitate the transfer of the mined material to an operation where the bitumen is separated from solid components of the tar sand.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of products from nahcolite-bearing oil shale ore deposits which comprises, in pertinent part, in situ retorting of oil shale ore from which a major portion of the nahcolite has been separated.

Abstract: Subterranean formations of water soluble salt deposits are solution mined by introducing into the formation an aqueous solvent having a temperature substantially above the temperature of the deposit thereby heating the deposit and dissolving the soluble salts, and withdrawing from the deposit an aqueous solution enriched in the dissolved salts. An aqueous solvent having a temperature lower than the temperature of the first solvent is subsequently introduced into the deposit thereby recapturing heat given up to the deposit and dissolving the soluble salt utilizing greater solubility characteristics of the soluble salts owing to the increased deposit temperature, and withdrawing from the deposit a substantially increased amount of dissolved salt.

Abstract: Disposal of effluent solutions containing sodium sulfate in an ecologically safe and economically sound manner is accomplished in a process which admixes the effluent with the aqueous solution used as the mining solution in salt deposits. The effluent-containing mining solution is injected into the brine well to dissolve sodium chloride while inhibiting the dissolution of soluble calcium compounds. Brine recovered from the wells has a reduced concentration of dissolved calcium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ leach mining which utilizes multiple dhole branch wells whipstocked off a single main generally vertical well. Initially the vertical well is drilled into the earth so that it may intersect the ore zone of material to be recovered. The vertical well may be cased and cemented after drilling. Thereafter from this same well a plurality of branch wells are whipstocked or drilled which intersect the vertical well at an angle from about 2 degrees to 60 degrees. These branch wells extend into the ore zone. A submersible pump and drop pipe are placed in the main well and at some point below the intersection of the main well with the branch wells a packer is placed around the drop pipe. The drop pipe carries solutions to the surface from the pump.

Abstract: For the purpose of in-situ recovery of coal a borehole is driven from the surface in the plane of the coal over at least a large part of its travel, as far as conditions permit. At or near its end this borehole is widened over such a length and to such a width as corresponds with at least twice the deviation to be expected in the horizontal projection of a second borehole which is driven so far as to connect the widened section described above. The widened section is preferably made with the aid of mechanical means.After the boreholes have been linked, the coal is recovered by gasification, dissolution or extraction, whether or not under supercritical conditions and whether or not with attendant chemical/physical disintegration. The method according to the invention is particularly suited for use in the `in-line` gasification technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the solution mining of a mineral from a subterranean formation. More specifically, the invention relates to an improved method which enhances significantly the recovery of a mineral from a subterranean formation via solution mining by increasing the rate of reactant flow through the formation via improved formation permeability and thereby reducing the time necessary to recover the mineral values therefrom.

Abstract: Minerals are recovered from warm geothermal brines by installing a brine eductor device such as a venturi at the end of a thermally insulated drill casing. The geothermal brine is recovered by flowing a warm, low saline carrier solution at high flow rate through the device to pick up a selected flow of brine. On entering the device the geothermal brine is diluted in an amount sufficient to preclude precipitation and scaling as the mixture flows to the surface. The flow velocity is adequate to entrain any non-dissolved solids without settlement. Thermal losses to the surrounding strata are minimized by the thermal insulation surrounding the casing. The mineral values are recovered from the mixture by flashing, evaporation, and filtration. Clarified solution, filter liquor and make-up water as necessary are combined to form the low salinity carrier solution which is heated in heat exchangers before recycling to the eductor device.

Abstract: The oxidation of uranium is catalyzed with water-soluble copper or zinc chelates. An aqueous solution is prepared containing carbonate or bicarbonate ion, an oxidizer such as hydrogen peroxide or oxygen, and a water-soluble copper or zinc chelate which has at least two amino, carboxylic acid, or thiocarboxylic acid donor groups. The solution is pumped into an underground deposit of uranium. The water-soluble +4 state uranium is oxidized to the water-soluble +6 state which forms a complex with the carbonate ion. The solution is pumped to the surface and is recycled after precipitation of the uranium.

Abstract: The float-sink separation of coal from pyrite and ash in a bath of liquid SO.sub.2 is disclosed. The specific gravity of the bath may adjusted by the addition of inert materials such as miscible materials or finely divided solids. Additional separation in another dense medium may be employed. The communition, conveying and mining of coal with liquid SO.sub.2 is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of in-situ coal recovery in slurry form from a coal deposit by first contacting the coal with a gaseous mixture of an oxygen-containing gas containing vaporized NO.sub.2, then with an aqueous alkaline solution to slurry the coal, and then recovering the slurried coal from the deposit. The particular aqueous alkaline solution disclosed herein contains ethanolamine.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a gas, e.g., oxygen, and a liquid, e.g., leach solution, at a downhole location in a well for treating a formation, e.g., in situ leaching of uranium. The apparatus comprises a mixing means which is adapted to be affixed to the lower end of the gas supply conduit and is lowered into and raised out of the well by means of the conduit. The mixing means is comprised of a solid, noncorrosive plate having a central opening into which the gas conduit is secured. The plate has a plurality of additional openings surrounding the central opening and has a gasket thereon to form a seal between the plate and the well bore. Liquid is flowed down the well and passes through the additional openings in the plate. At the same time, gas is supplied through the conduit and flows through the central opening in the plate. Due to the increased velocity of the liquid caused by the liquid as it flows through the additional openings in the plate, the gas is trapped to form a gas pocket below the plate.

Abstract: A process for the in-situ recovery of minerals from subsurface deposits comprises forming a gas-tight or self-sealing chamber and injecting into it a solvent which is pressure cycled over a predetermined period of time. This pressure cycling increases the mineral extraction efficiency by improving the dissolution of material contained in blind cracks in the underground formation.

Abstract: Uranium ore deposits which contain certain proportions of other metals and elemental components, such as are present in redox roll front ore deposits, are selectively leached in situ by passing therethrough relatively dilute aqueous leach solutions comprising essentially from about 0.5 to 5 grams per liter of ammonium bicarbonate and from about 0.1 to 3 grams per liter of peroxide, preferably introduced as aqueous H.sub.2 O.sub.2, and sufficient ammonia to bring the solution to a pH of from about 7.4 to 9, and preferably from 7.5 to 8.5, thereafter withdrawing from the ore deposit the aqueous leach solution enriched in uranium which it preferentially extracts along with a generally lower proportion of other metals and elements as compared to their respective ratios in the ore deposit, and contacting the enriched leach solution with a strong base anion exchange material to strip the uranium from the leach solution.

Abstract: Cavity mining minerals from a subsurface deposit by hydraulically jetting and disintegrating a mineral deposit locally, and transporting lumps and particles to the surface via a borehole.

Abstract: In order to extract energy in a matter more efficient than is presently known to the art, from hot dry rock geothermal systems, a mixture of water and calcium chloride is used. The fluid mixture is injected into a formation and forced through the formation with simultaneous extraction of heat from the energy recovery or heat extraction surrounding rocks. The fluid and a larger fraction of its contained energy are then recovered than can presently be recovered by technology known to the art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the restoring of an underground reservoir subsequent to the solution mining of a mineral from a subterranean formation. More specifically, the invention relates to the cycling of clean water through a subterranean formation to decrease the total dissolved solids level of the reservoir present therein.

Abstract: A method of in-situ coal recovery in slurry form from a coal deposit by first contacting the coal with a gaseous mixture of an oxygen-containing gas containing vaporized NO.sub.2, then with an aqueous alkaline solution to slurry the coal, and then recovering the slurried coal from the deposit.

Abstract: The efficiency of conversion of coal in the coal-gasification process is increased by pre-treatment of the coal to increase the fluid-permeability thereof. The reagent used for increasing the coal permeability is recoverable in high yield. Pre-treatment of bituminous coal by this process makes it possible to gasify coals of this rank effectively, such coals previously having been gasifiable only at low conversion efficiencies. Pre-treatment with a permeability-enhancing reagent is also useful as a step in the process of dissolving coal.

Abstract: An improved method of solution well mining is provided which, among other advantages, enhances the injectivity of the wells and eliminates the need for underreaming and the use of well screens. In solution well mining, a leaching solution is pumped into an injection well so as to flow through a mineralized zone to a plurality of production wells, the solution which contains the mineral to be recovered being pumped out of the production wells. The invention provides for using a high pressure water jet to perforate the cemented casings of the well so as to, inter alia, enhance injectivity and provide sand control. The perforations are arranged in a preselected nonuniform pattern in the production well, with the density being the greatest at the bottom of the zone, so as to promote uniform flow of the solution.

Abstract: The method includes circulating steam, solvent or fluids through a material such as sand while constantly agitating the material to scrub and wash entrained substances such as oil, bitumen or the like free whereupon the substances are carried back to the surface. A vibrating probe assembly is utilized which is highly maneuverable and which fluidizes the sand immediately surrounding same thus facilitating the movement of the probe and assisting in the scrubbing and separating action of the solvents or steam upon the sand. The probe includes means for extending same into the sand to the bottom of a well bore so that the vibration in conjunction with the probe configuration moves the probe through the sand in a horizontal plane or, if desired, up and down at an angle from the horizontal. The voids remaining in the clean sand are filled with water so that the probe floats on the surface of the water.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is admixed with water to form a carbonic acid solution for use as a leaching solution for extraction of uranium by solution mining. An oxidizing agent is also present in the solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for leaching broken or fragmented ore or metal-value containing bodies with a reagent-carrying foam. The foam is generated by adding a surfactant to a leaching solution and passing air or other gas through the solution to generate relatively stable foam bubbles which are propelled through the fragmented mass by gas pressure. The foam can be injected in cycles, allowing drain time, or can be injected continuously with the leachant drainage taking place at the periphery of the ore mass and removed continuously.

Abstract: A method for producing geothermal energy and minerals from subterranean high temperature and high salinity water reservoirs by injecting low salinity water at ambient surface temperature into the reservoir through a well bore, allowing the injected water to become heated in the reservoir and then producing water through the well bore to the surface for use as a source of energy and, optionally, minerals. Simultaneously with the employment of certain wells for injection-production cycles, other wells may be employed predominantly for injection of water to displace heat and in-situ well brines to well bores which produce such water and brines to the surface for utilization of their heat energy and dissolved minerals.

Abstract: A subterranean salt deposit is solution mined, and the resulting calcium- and sulfate-contaminated brine is treated, e.g., by soda ash, to precipitate insoluble calcium compounds. The resulting slurry is settled, and the effluent clear brine is evaporated in a series of solar ponds to produce high-grade sodium chloride.The brine becomes progressively more concentrated with respect to sodium sulfate as it moves through the solar ponds. The sulfate-enriched brine may be recycled to the solution mine, evaporated to form a sulfate-contaminated sodium chloride crystal crop, or it may be subjected to winter cooling to remove sulfate values as Glauber's salt, the residual brine being recycled to the solar ponds or the solution mine.

Abstract: In a leaching process to recover a selected element or mineral from a gangue, an AC current is applied to the mixture to accelerate the rate at which chemical reactions occur. If the treated material is located in a subsurface earth formation, the AC current may further generate gases in situ to assist in moving and circulating the leaching solution in the formation and to bring the dissolved mineral value to the surface through a borehole or the like. This acceleration of the chemical reactions can shorten the effective leaching time from weeks or months to a matter of hours or days, thereby greatly affecting the rate of recovery of the mineral value and making such leach mining economical on a commercial basis.

Abstract: A process for the in-situ recovery of hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen values and associated minerals from subsurface oil shale deposits is provided by forming a gas-tight retort chamber and injecting it with various process gases which are pressure cycled over a predetermined period of time. This pressure cycling increases the extraction efficiency by improving the recovery of material contained in blind cracks in the underground formation, and by provising an independent means of controlling the thermal gradients induced in the deposit.

Abstract: System for recovering at least one of gold and silver from mine run dumps or crushed ores containing at least one of gold and silver, comprising an inclined surface for supporting a heap of the mine run dumps or crushed ores, means for distributing an alkali and cyanide containing aqueous solution onto the heap, a storage zone for the resulting pregnant solution arranged to collect the run-off of the solution from the inclined surface, a plurality of activated carbon loaded ion exchange vessels mounted on mobile support means, conduit means for feeding the pregnant solution serially through the vessels thereby to strip the gold and silver values from the solution and conduit means for recycling resulting barren solution for distribution onto the heap.

Abstract: Apparatus for and process of mining a subterranean granular ore deposit through a well bore where the ore is eroded from the ore matrix by one or more laterally directed jets of fluid, e.g. water, forming an ore-bearing slurry. The apparatus comprises:A. a rotatable tool string having a first fluid passage through which fluid flows downwardly and a first slurry passage through which a slurry of said fluid and granular ore flows upwardly,B. supported therefrom underground a substantially rigid housing containing an outwardly directed cutting jet nozzle for impinging said fluid against said ore to form said slurry and having1. a second fluid passage therein connecting said first fluid passage with said jet nozzle,2. a slurry inlet through said housing,3. a second slurry passage connecting said inlet with said first slurry passage, and4.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons from tar sands, oil shales, exhausted oil bearing formations and the like by solvent extraction.

Abstract: Hot brines containing dissolved gases are produced from liquid-dominated geothermal wells by utilizing lift gases of essentially the same composition as said dissolved gases. The lift gas is separated from the produced brine and recycled. Heat is abstracted from the separated brine, which may be returned to the aquifer, processed for its mineral content or discarded. The gas lift is carried out under temperature and pressure conditions such that precipitation of minerals from the brine does not occur in the well bore. The problems which would result from the use of oxygen-containing and/or brine-soluble inert gases for the lifting operation are avoided. The problems attendant upon production of hot brines by pumping are also avoided.

Abstract: A technique is provided for leaching particulate ores for recovering metal values. Ore is crushed to less than about one inch with at least 25% being greater than 4 mesh. The crushed ore is mixed with a small amount of acid and the moistened mixture is kept in a curling pile for about two days for dehydration and induration of the ore. The induration is sufficient that the ore can sustain the weight of a thin layer of about one-half to one meter thick without appreciable compacting. The indurated ore is spread on a permeable substrate in a thin layer about one-half to one meter thick. A leaching solution is then percolated through this thin layer to remove the metal values. The initial effluent leach liquor has high metal values and low acid content and is passed to a solvent extraction system where the metal values are recovered. The solvent extraction raffinate, which is high in acid, is recirculated as a leach liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preferentially solution mining potassium chloride from a stratified subterranean deposit of potassium chloride and sodium chloride where a plurality of strata are present in a single common solution mining cavity. According to an embodiment of the disclosed method, a first aqueous working solution is established in a lower zone of the cavity in contact with lower strata. Thereafter, a second aqueous working solution is established in contact with a higher zone intended to be preferentially mined. The second aqueous working solution is maintained at a lower specific gravity than the first aqueous working solution. Effluent is withdrawn from the second aqueous working solution near the lower boundary thereof and an extracting solution is added to the cavity at a rate sufficient to maintain the second aqueous working solution less dense than the subjacent solution, i.e., the first aqueous working solution.

Abstract: A method of separating and removing magnesium chloride hexahydrate from deep subterranean salt formations containing magnesium chloride hexahydrate, such as a carnallite bed or a bischofite bed, wherein one or more holes are drilled or provided through an overburden and into the bed. A solvent formed from any one of the lower saturated monohydric aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methanol, is directed downwardly in the hole and into contact with the bed, then upwardly through and out of the cased hole. Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is dissolved selectively by the solvent, but other salts, such as potassium chloride and sodium chloride, remain substantially insoluble in the solvent. The insolubles may be elevated out of the hole simultaneously with the lifting of the solvent-magnesium chloride hexahydrate solution or subsequent to such lifting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of solution mining potassium chloride from subterranean ore deposits containing both potassium chloride and sodium chloride. By the present invention, an aqueous medium is passed through the ore deposits so that potassium chloride and sodium chloride are dissolved therein. Magnesium chloride is combined with the aqueous brine solution formed so that an aqueous brine solution containing potassium chloride, sodium chloride and magnesium chloride in specific proportions is produced, and the solubility of potassium chloride in the solution is reduced. The combined aqueous brine solution is then concentrated so that it is substantially saturated with potassium chloride, and the concentrated solution is cooled to cause the precipitation of substantially pure potassium chloride.

Abstract: A method of extracting metal from an underground ore body. The body is heated by electric induction to a temperature sufficient to break up the metallic ore compound and liquefy the metal. The metal flows into production wells where it is collected and transported to the surface, as by rapid solidification into powder or pellets in a pressurized gas stream. The electric induction is conveniently effected by passing alternating current through a conductor encompassing that portion of the ore body to be heated.

Abstract: A method for recovering bitumen from tar sand deposits by imbibition flooding at ambient temperature wherein the bitumen is sequentially contacted with a paraffin liquid hydrocarbon followed by a soak period to allow imbibition of the solvent, after which the bitumen and solvent mixture is produced, and the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: Underground strata surrounding a coal seam are prestressed by repeated fracturing with a settable material to strengthen and seal the strata to contain a hydrostatic pressure in the coal seam of about 100 to about 500 atmospheres, thereby providing a gas and liquid-tight seal surrounding and within the coal seam. After the strata surrounding the coal seam and the coal seam itself are sealed, an hydrogenating agent is supplied to the coal seam and is maintained at a temperature of approximately 300 to 500 degrees centigrade and a pressure of from about 100 to about 500 atmospheres to liquefy and hydrogenate the coal in situ. When a region of coal is liquefied out to the boundary of the prestressing, the liquefied coal is pumped out for use.

Abstract: In producing shale oil by circulating hot fluid into and out of void spaces within a subterranean oil shale, a plurality of cavities are formed around a central well, the cavities and the well are interconnected by leaching an areally extensive void space within a layer of water-soluble mineral, and hot fluid is circulated in through the cavities and out through the central well.

Abstract: This invention relates to the solution mining of subterranean trona deposits which comprises treating the ore "in situ" with an aqueous solvent containing sodium hydroxide at a concentration of not less than approximately 1% and no greater than that which will leave the brine thus produced with no less than approximately 1.5 parts of sodium bicarbonate per hundred parts of sodium carbonate when saturated.

Abstract: This invention pertains to recovery of metal values from ore deposits found at great depth; more specifically, the invention pertains to the recovery of metal values from an ore deposit by explosive fracturing of the ore formation at a depth at which the deposit is economically inaccessible by surface mining. Still further, this invention pertains to a method for explosive fracturing of a formation containing metal values at depth whereby hydraulically assisted fracturing is used to propagate an explosive shock wave so as to obtain a more desirable medium in which metal value recovery can be practiced.

Abstract: Viscous petroleum including bitumen may be recovered for subterranean petroleum containing unconsolidated said formations such as tar sand deposits by hydraulic mining. Hot water or steam is introduced into the subterranean deposit with sufficient velocity to dislodge bitumen and particles of sand therefrom. The process is a single wellbore operation using rotatable vertically moveable injection string with one or more jets near the bottom thereof, with separate return flow path to surface, the inlet to which may be on the bottom of the injection string. Injection string may be raised or lowered while rotating and jetting so full vertical thickness of tar sand interval is contacted by aqueous mining fluid. Jet pump may be used to pump petroleum to surface. Injected aqueous hydraulic mining fluid may contain alkaline material such as sodium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: In producing shale oil by circulating hot fluid into and out of a rubble-containing cavern within a subterranean oil shale, plugging is avoided by permeating a portion of oil shale, consolidating a permeated portion, inflowing fluid outside the consolidated portion, and outflowing fluid from within the consolidated portion so the fluid is filtered through the consolidated portion.

Abstract: A method of connecting wells for the purpose of producing salt by solution mining. Two wells are drilled into the salt bed, one of which is drilled in the conventional manner, that is, essentially vertically and the other of which is drilled from a point on the surface a selected distance from the first well and is deflected in the direction towards the conventional well so that the bottom of the deflected well approaches within a selected distance of the bottom of the conventional well. After the two wells are drilled the salt is fractured by the use of a conventional high pressure liquid fracturing technique in one or the other or both of the two wells, so that a fracture for fluid flow between the two wells will hopefully be obtained. Thereafter the salt is mined by flowing fresh water down one well and withdrawing saturated salt solution from the other well, the water passing from one well to the other through the fracture zone where it dissolves the salt, creating a cavity.

Abstract: Mineral values are recovered in situ by generating a leaching agent in the formation containing the mineral to be recovered.