Patent US3863987A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3863987A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Controlled in situ leaching of ore deposits utilizing pre-split blasting
Assignee: Kennecott Utah Copper LLC
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Filing: 1973-02-12
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Granted: 1975-02-04
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Expires: 1993-02-12
Abstract
Abstract In-situ leaching of various underground minerals, especially ores of base metals, such as copper, is controlled by pre-split blasting to create fracture planes wholly or partially surrounding a block of ore to be leached, and often within such block as well. The fracture planes are employed as part of an injection and recovery system for a leaching solution and as a barrier to prevent loss of such solution to surrounding areas.
Inventors
- 👤 William J Lampard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:44
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/28; E21B43/283
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the leach solution is injected substantially into the pre-split fracture for distribution throughout the area.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the pregnant leach solution is passed into and through the pre-split fracture to a location of recovery.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein the recovery is effected by driving a recovery well into the location of recovery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the pre-split fracture surrounds the underground area laterally and blocks off said area from surrounding areas.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 5, wherein the area blocked off is of rectangular configuration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 5, wherein the area blocked off is of conical configuration having its apex directed downwardly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 7, wherein a recovery well is driven into the apex of the cone, and recovery of the pregnant leach solution is effected through said recovery well.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the pre-split fracture is of substantially cruciform configuration, an injection well is driven at and along the cruciform intersection, and the leach solution is injected through said injection well.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the fracture slopes toward a location of recovery of the pregnant leach solution.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-03 | 1978-08-05 | 1979-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-03 | 1982-08-05 | 1983-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-03 | 1986-08-05 | 1987-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |