Importance

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Abstract

A method for co-extracting non-combustible ore (e.g., trona) and methane from an underground formation comprising at least one methane-bearing layer and a non-combustible ore bed having a rock roof, comprising:

providing a well having a downhole end positioned above the ore bed roof;mining an ore region from an initial cavity and removing the mined ore, thereby creating a subsequent cavity;advancing the mining step to another ore region from the subsequent cavity;allowing the roof of the initial cavity to cave so as to create a gob;repeating the mining, advancing and caving steps, the caving being effective in generating fluid communication between the gob and the well downhole end and in fracturing the methane-bearing layer so as to release methane into the gob; andrecovering a gob gas comprising released methane through the well to the surface.

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First Claim