Methods of improved cavern rubblization for enhanced potash recovery

Abstract

Methods for cavern rubblization for enhanced potash recovery are disclosed. In embodiments, such a method includes pressure cycling. The method can include pressurizing a cavity to maximum flow capacity followed by rapid relief of the cavity pressure. In this embodiment, this cycle of pressurization and rapid relief is repeated several times. Other embodiments of cavern rubblization and methods for enhanced potash recovery, a technique of fluid pulsing is used. According to embodiments, a tool can be used to pulse pressure through clay seams to be wetted. According to both embodiments, these methods increase potash recovery during mining.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for recovery of potash from sedimentary rock, the method comprising:
 providing first and second bore holes in fluid communication with a cavity defined by walls containing ore;   injecting a fluid into the first and second bore holes and cavity to pressurize the cavity to produce an operating pressure, wherein the ore is soluble in the fluid;   increasing a pressure of the bore hole and cavity above the operating pressure by injecting fluid until the cavity cannot take on any more fluid; and   rapidly relieving the pressure in cavity via the first and second bore holes, thereby causing the cavity to collapse inwardly.