Solution Mining of Nahcolite
NaTec/White River Nahcolite (WRN) was the first solution mine developed to recover soluble minerals from thin horizontal beds using long horizontal wells. AAI personnel provided field and technical support in a pilot drilling program to characterize rock structure and hydrologic data, and have since supported WRN with assistance in drilling production wells and in resolving issues. Rock structural data were generated from drill core for use in stability assessment of dissolution cavities and roof strata. AAI also performed analysis of the stability of the dissolution cavities. Criteria for minimizing surface subsidence were used to define the requirement for stability of the dissolution cavity roof. Permit support included technical support for application to permit high extraction per well while maintaining minability of overlying oil shale, without damage to the USDW. AAI has been involved with this project from 1988 to the present.
