RE:RE:RE:Interesting thought7T, I agree 100% with you that there are no stupid questions, especially when discussing the novel horizontal selective solution mining process in Saskatchewan.
Both Western and Gensources downhole extraction technology is very similiar in nature, and both companies quote Intrepids Moab and Cane Creeks process as the methodology of extraction principles. They also both report it has not been proven successfully in Saskatchewan
The big difference being the crystallization process at surface, whereby WRX relied on evaporation ponds as does Intrepid in their mines, and GSP will rely on mechanical separation.
Both pond and mechanical separation have been proven to work, so that is not the issue
The problem to date is trying to coax the KCl out of the caverns efficiently and economically.
Western was hoping to pull 12,000 tons a month over a year of hot leaching, which would equate to 144,000 tons ready to harvest with their dredge. At todays potash prices, that potash production would clear a lot of their debts, and yet nothing happening even though it is just sitting there in the ponds.
Why? I am hearing through the grape vine that they were no where close to that tonnage, and the reason they have hired engineers to figure out why. Phase chemistry and thermal dynamics are proving harder to tame than first thought
Horizontal selective solution mining is very specific in that it targets specific zones of sylvite, without impurities.
Once impurities like carnalitte, clays, etc are introduced in the brine the dissolution chemisty changes.
What might be promising, is I am hearing a Canadian private proof of concept horizontal selective solution mine may be starting very soon, and it will take less than a year from spud to first production.
Gensource shareholders should be crossing fingers that process works out, as it will change the entire industry.
I am routing whole heartedly for the folks trying to prove it, as corporations like GSP, WRX and others will benefit huge even if they have to license to process from the private company hoping to prove they hold the elusive key.
Fingers crossed