ABSTRACT
In situ flooded leaching is used to extract nonferrous metals, particularly uranium and copper; extract soluble salts including halite, trona, potash, boron and magnesium minerals; extract molten sulfur by the Frasch process; and construct underground cavities in salt deposits. These cavities are used for petroleum reserve storage, nuclear waste storage, and other underground purposes needing a water-tight environment. Most of the geological targets are either massive deposits, such as porphyry copper deposits and salt domes, or tabular deposits. Important examples of the latter are uranium roll front deposits and evaporites. Most commercially leached evaporites are nearly horizontal.
