RE:RE:RE:Perhaps its OVERThanks Wiser8. I haven't looked at this for a while.
In 2009 BPPC worked through the basics of selective solution mining. They started with basic phase chemistry, the solubily work published by D'ans in 1933. BPPC used Cornec & Krombach 1932. This data was graphed to show solubility of KCl and NaCl, from, individually in water, to full equilibrium saturation in both KCl and NaCl, at temperatures from below 0 to 100 degrees C.
The dynamics of solubility rates are detailed in work by Sask Research Council, by Ozsahin and Husband, "An Investigation of the Potential of Solution Mining of Potash in Saskatchewan, Aug 1965." BPPC has spent several years now verifying that data in lab testing and modelling.
BPPC established the basic rules of selective solution mining. Within the solubility limits, the most important factor affecting dissolution rate is long term access to the KCl crystal in the ore. The ore is a mix of KCl and NaCl crystals. Selective mining says the NaCl is not dissolved so it has to be "liberated", washed out of the face to access KCl for dissolution. This is only possible with a good mine design and in the right high grade ore. The second most important factor is contact velocity, then feed brine composition. Brine from the mine needs to be saturated, close to 20% KCl, about 19% NaCl.
If this is done right, the mine is simple, the patented BPPC designs. A Beechy well pair might cost less than $2 million. A BPPC crystallization system less than $2 million. I think the infrastructure is excellent. Sell the dredge and submerged conbustion and a bunch of pumps.
Selective mining is predictable when it is undestood. There are a lot of "experts" out there, that have lots of ideas. Sorry, we need to understand the basics, then build the mine, and support the startup and early development with good science.
We know how to do this, and it wouldn't take long to get to production either.