Design for simultaneous mining of multiple trona layers with an intersected well set at Kazan Soda Trona Mine in Turkey

Abstract:

In Kazan Trona Mine in Turkey, the method of solution mining with intersected well set has been adopted with around 100 intersected well sets drilled successfully, which has brought about remarkable social and economic benefits. In order to improve the utilization rate of the trona resources, based on the current situation and geological conditions, three alternative schemes for simultaneous mining of multiple trona layers with an intersected well set for the Kazan Phase IV drilling project are put forward in the paper. With the overall plan determined, the well layout principle for simultaneous mining of multiple layers is put forward, and the three schemes are briefly expounded and the index of them are compared. The 3rd alternative scheme (1 horizontal well +2 vertical wells) is selected since it provides the advantages of less drilling work, shorter construction period and lower investment cost. Description is made in detail of vertical well drilling, horizontal well drilling and solution mining operation with some related technical problems and suggestions were put forward. The simultaneous mining scheme can provide some guidance and reference for simultaneous mining of multi-layer trona mines and increase of resource recovery.