METHOD OF DEVELOPING FLOODED DEPOSITS OF WATER-SOLUBLE MINERALS Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: mining; applicable in underground mining of flooded deposits of water-soluble minerals. SUBSTANCE: methods consists in that before mineral extraction, screen in the form of waterproof and fracture-absorbing horizon is made in waterproof rock mass. Screen is made above anticipated worked out space on area encompassing the boundaries of expected trough of rock displacement. Screen consists of main and additional fracture-catching hollows made in the form of flat extended mine workings and relief slits and/or adjacent boreholes which are filled with viscous fracture-sealing substance nonaggressive to waterproof rocks. Mineral mining begins after formation of screen. Fracture-sealing substance is used in the form of water-insoluble substance with density not lower than that of solutions entering fracture-catching hollows in emergency situations. Located in fracture-catching hollows may be nonutilized wastes of industrial processes. EFFECT: higher safety and efficiency of mining operations, increased recovery of minerals from rock mass, protection of environment due to utilization of industrial wastes. 3 cl, 1 dwg, 1 ex