Importance

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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. The homogenized fluid acts on the ore bearing formation to release the uranium ions so that the ions move from the acid aqueous solution into the organic extractant. The organic extractant eventually captures most of the uranium ions, and separates from the spent aqueous solution as the former is forced to the top of the ore body. The concentrated organic extractant accumulates into an underground pool where it can be communicated with a borehole and pumped to the surface of the ground.

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First Claim