In-situ mining of ores from subsurface formations

An in situ method of mining is disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, the method includes: defining an ore volume; drilling a large number of vertical boreholes; forming lateral boreholes from at least some of the vertical boreholes; transporting the ore cut during drilling of the vertical and l...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser: Jong, Edwin, Mathieson, Derek, Difoggio, Rocco, Moos, Dan, Donald, Scott F, Crose, Emily, Pessier, Rudolf Carl
Format: Patent
Sprache:eng
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:An in situ method of mining is disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, the method includes: defining an ore volume; drilling a large number of vertical boreholes; forming lateral boreholes from at least some of the vertical boreholes; transporting the ore cut during drilling of the vertical and lateral boreholes to a surface location; and separating the ore received at the surface from other materials. Additional ore may be extracted fracturing and/or leaching the formation surrounding the drilled boreholes. The residual ore at the surface may be disposed by pumping it into already drilled boreholes or underground storage facilities.