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• <br /> that vary from a few percent to as much as 70 weight percent nahcolite. There are three <br /> resource intervals of particular mining interest as indicated above. From the upper to the <br /> lowest interval, these are the: Love Resource Interval, Greeno Resource Interval and TI <br /> Resource Interval. Each of these stratigraphic intervals could be solution mined using the <br /> same vertical well. The TI interval can be mined first and the Greeno and Love intervals <br /> would be mined in consecutive order or mined as a single unit. A cavity with a height of the <br /> entire resource interval (up to 600 feet) and a diameter of from 75 feet to 225 feet could be <br /> formed. The solution cavern will be supported by undissolved residual oil shale which <br /> constitutes approximately 80% of the original volume of the cavern material. The <br /> undissolved residual material will essentially fill the cavern resisting both wall and roof <br /> collapse. <br /> The cavity is expected to be structurally sound because only the sodium minerals are <br /> removed; the organic oil shale matrix remains nearly intact and is capable of supporting the <br /> overburden. Intervening pillars would separate the cylindrical cavities for mechanical <br /> support. Figure 4-2 shows the general solution mining scheme and cavity arrangement for <br /> the 50,000 tpy pilot plant. <br /> The AmerAlia pilot process is designed to produce animal feed and industrial grade sodium <br /> bicarbonate. Other uses include: fire extinguisher manufacturing; production of chemicals, <br /> textiles, plastics, detergents, rubber and numerous household products. It could also be a <br /> major alkali for the reduction of S02 and NOx from coal-fired boilers. The 50,000 tpy pilot <br /> plant will initially produce animal feed grade sodium bicarbonate. Favorable experimental <br /> pilot results would allow modifications to achieve commercial operations including food <br /> grade sodium bicarbonate. These modifications and plant expansions may increase the <br /> production capacity to 150,000 tpy. <br /> 4.3. DRILLING, COMPLETION AND ABANDONMENT OF PRODUCTION WELLS <br /> The following is a description of the anticipated drilling and completion techniques for the <br /> production wells. The pilot phase of the project will have up to six production wells as <br /> shown in Figure 4-2. Flexible drilling and completion techniques are needed to achieve the <br /> goals of the experimental pilot project. As an example, the drilling will begin with an auger <br /> or bucket type drill rig which will drill a 17'/2 inch diameter hole into bedrock to secure the <br /> surface casing. A 13 3/8 inch surface casing will be cemented in place to the surface. The <br /> surface casing will be set so that it is no more than 1/2 degree off vertical. A mobile rotary <br /> G:U MNA7B545.002WinePlan%MINEPLAN.DOC 4-5 <br />