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• cavity partially developed during the Summer 1983 Bulk Sampling Program, <br />will be oriented parallel with each other such that a pillar of unmined <br />nahcolite will be left between the mined-out cavities. <br />e <br />The proposed mining method involves injecting hot water into the injection <br />well, circulation of the fluid through the horizontal drain holes to the <br />recovery well, and recovery of solution saturated with sodium bicarbonate. <br />The saturated solution (pregnant liquor) is subsequently brought to the <br />surface and recrystallized in the surface plant. After crystallization, the <br />water is reheated and returned to the injection well to form a closed water <br />loop: Minor water losses will occur in the surface plant and also from the <br />occupation of the expanding cavity underground. This water use will be <br />augmented by existing sources. <br />D.2.3 Water Supply <br />Water required for Pilot Plant operations will be obtained from an existing <br />well located east of the plant site in the SE 1/4, Section 32, T15, R98W. <br />The well is completed in the upper aquifer, The water will be pumped via a <br />2-inch diameter, 6,000-feet pipeline from the well to the plant. The Pilot <br />Plant will use approximately 27.1 gallons per minute (0.06 cfs) of water at <br />full production. <br />D.3 MINE DEVELOPMENT <br />D,3.1 Production Techniques <br />The rate of fluid injection and recovery during the early part of the <br />operation varies as a function of cavity size and time. The difference <br />between the injection and recovery rates is attributable to: (1) the water <br />that occupies the volume of dissolved nahcolite, and (2) an anticipated <br />minor quantity of wager that permeates into the formation. This latter <br />quantity is yet unknown, but it is anticipated to be very small and is <br />assumed to be zero. l~he pilot plant operation will attempt to quantify this <br />loss. <br />D-2 <br />