SOLUTION MINING METHOD UTILIZING SUBSURFACE AQUIFER

摘要

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deposit thereof, where an aqueous solvent is introduced into the deposit and a solution enriched in the mineral is withdrawn from the deposit through a conduit which traverses a water bearing formation which overlies the deposit.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of the conduit communication between the water bearing formation and the conduit to effect dilution of the enriched withdrawn solution thereby avoiding plugging of the conduit caused by crystallization of the mineral.