US3888543A - Method for mining oil shales, tar sands, and other minerals - Google Patents

Method for mining oil shales, tar sands, and other minerals Download PDF

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US3888543A
US3888543A US502296A US50229674A US3888543A US 3888543 A US3888543 A US 3888543A US 502296 A US502296 A US 502296A US 50229674 A US50229674 A US 50229674A US 3888543 A US3888543 A US 3888543A
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level
mining
ore
tunnel
mine
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Robert W Johns
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C41/00—Methods of underground or surface mining; Layouts therefor
    • E21C41/16—Methods of underground mining; Layouts therefor
    • E21C41/24—Methods of underground mining; Layouts therefor for oil-bearing deposits

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  • the invention provides a mine configuration and mining system wherein the mine has preferably three levels.
  • the first operating level is positioned substantially at the base of the deposit and has an interconnecting system of tunnels within which, mining apparatus operates.
  • This level further includes conveyors adapted to receive loose ore and transport same to vertical shafts or ore passes which interconnect adjacent operating levels.
  • the second operating level is primarily a collecting level, and is positioned below the first, or mining level, to be parallel therewith.
  • This second level has a tunnel system operatively associated with the vertical ore passes of the first level, and has conveyors which collect the loose ore and carry same to shafts for transport to a final, lower level, from which the ore is removed from the mine.
  • active mining is carried out by the known Fixed Arch Shield" technique on only one level, the only other levels being ore collecting and haulage levels. There are no levels, or mine workings, above the first, mining level, only access and ven' tilation shafts.
  • subsidence can be compensated for by distributing waste in a manner that is esthetieally acceptable
  • This invention relates to the mining of "oil shales" as found in Colorado, Wyoming. and ltali. U.S.A.. and similar deposits of coal, oil shales. oil sands and other minerals found elsewhere.
  • oil shale refers to sedimentary deposits of organic-rich argillaceous dolomites and marls.
  • the organically derived component is a hydrocarbon called kerogen." a mineral that when heated to a sufficiently high temperature is converted to a form of crude petroleum.
  • kerogen a mineral that when heated to a sufficiently high temperature is converted to a form of crude petroleum.
  • cut' and-fill Another possible mining method, referred to as cut' and-fill has been suggested and forms the basis of the previously mentioned U.S. Patent Ser. No. 3,588,175.
  • the primary objective of the present invention are to:
  • this technique provides a mining method that only requires active mining on a single level, at the base of an ore block to substantially remove lOO% of the mineral block.
  • This technique involves establishing a laterally extending underground mining face of perhaps 1,000 feet in width and from 10 to 12 feet in height, against which a laterally extending mining shield is positioned, the shiled serving to partially enclose mining machinery such as lateral shearing ploughs, rotary cutters or the like which are conventional in underground coal mining, the cutter operating across the full width of the mining wall.
  • mining machinery such as lateral shearing ploughs, rotary cutters or the like which are conventional in underground coal mining, the cutter operating across the full width of the mining wall.
  • the mined material after being cut from the mining face. falls onto a lateral conveyor operating within the mining shield, and is then conveyed from the face to collecting means, operating at the ends of the face for ultimate conveyance through a shaft to the ground surface.
  • the mining shield comprises a plurality of individual arch sections. each individually advanceable towards the mining wall as the mining wall recedes, thereby creating a void posteriorly of the mining shield. leaving the back" unsupported and permitted to collapse. Normally. the back will not subside for several hours after the advance of the shield, due to the semiplastic" nature of the sand and the entrained viscous bitumen. Under normal mining operations, the back will collapse gradually, to 40 feet behind the moving mining shield as it advances into the bituminous sand body.
  • the operation will proceed for an optimum distance of forward travel, and is then repeated, to operate on the collapsed material as before. It will be appreciated that the entire operation takes place on, or adjacent the basement rock, the operation proceeding until the desired section of bituminous sand has been mined out.
  • the cutting equipment is not manned, the cutter travelling between a pair of operators, one at each end of the assembled movable shield each such operator being positioned in a pulpit in permanently supported manways.
  • Apparatus is also disclosed in the prior application for attachment to the mining machine in order to adapt it to the specific requirements of underground bituminous sands mining, in which a pair of cleaner ploughs are retractably secured to the mining machine at each end thereof, for alternate action in following relationship to the mining machine and in leading relationship to the advancing apparatus for the mining arch sections, the purpose of which is to remove spalled detrital from the fresh cut which might otherwise impede the forward movement of the mining arch sections.
  • Apparatus is also disclosed for indexing the mechanism for advancing the mining arch sections.
  • the method of this prior invention is, in effect, a combination of longwall mining, which is characteristic of coal mining, and block-caving, which is characteristic of hardrock mining, in which the bituminous sand body is continuously block caved behind the advancing undercut of the longwall face, until the bituminous sand body is completely mined out, there being no attempt made to support the backs.
  • a principle objective is also to provide a mine configuration and mining system which adapts readily to the application of the Fixed Arch Shield" technique of mining subsurface ore deposits.
  • the present invention provides a mine configuration having at least two, but preferably three tiers, or levels.
  • the upper of mining level positioned at or near the base of the ore deposit comprises a tunnel system including peripheral service tunnels bounding the mining zone, a central access tunnel and a plurality of transverse tunnels extending from the central access tunnel to adjacent service tunnels.
  • the transverse tunnels preferably run parallel one to the other and effectively divide the mining level into a horizontal series of contiguous mining blocks.
  • Each block is mined as will be described hereafter by the Fixed Arch Shield" method, the ore being conveyed from the face of the block to the transverse tunnels, from where it is transported to vertical shafts, or loading chutes which connect with a lower level of the mine.
  • two lower operating levels are contemplated by the invention. Whether in fact a double or triple mine is developed depends largely on the topography of the area, size and depth of the ore deposit or type of mineral being mined. All these factors relate to the total cost of operating and consequently have a direct bearing on the final mine configuration.
  • the lower, second operating level has the facility for collecting ore passed downwardly from the mining level via vertical ore passes, or chutes, and for transporting the ore to the surface.
  • the invention invisages a three-tier mine configuration having a mining level as previously described; a second lower operating level which acts as a collecting and conveying level only, and; a final third, still lower operating level which has the facility for large scale haulage and removal of the ore from the mine.
  • Each level is interconnected by ventilation shafts, and supply shafts which include surface transportation apparatus, and the referred to loading chutes and ore passes which are located on all levels, at positions which are predetermined by the layout of the tunnel system, and ore conveyors.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic plan of a third lower level showing the layout of haulageways, loading chutes. supply and ventilation shafts;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic plan of a second, transport and collecting level showing the layout of the major collecting tunnels which serve to convey the broken ore to the loading chutes,
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic plan of a first upper, or mining level, with a central access tunnel and periphery service tunnels related to the supply and ventilation shafts;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged, sectional view along line B B ofFIG. l and A A of FIG. 3, showing the three levels, loading chutes, ore passes, oil shale and overbur den;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic plan of a transverse tunnel on the mining level, between production blocks, the central access tunnel and the periphery service tunnels;
  • FIG. 6, is a schematic, enlarged plan of a portion of FIG. 5 with production blocks between transverse tunnels extending from central access tunnels;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic, enlarged plan of same area as FIG. 6 showing first mining cuts advancing from the central access tunnel in six production blocks;
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line C C, of FIG. 7 and shows the oil shale subsiding into the space be hind advancing production faces and the subsidence of overburden at the surface filled by waste;
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic enlarged plan of same area as FIG. 7, showing subsequent cuts following along the production blocks from the central access tunnel;
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line D D, of FIG. 9, with the first cut advanced and a second cut following the first.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic plan of the same area as depicted in FIGS. 5, 7, 9, with production faces far advanced and a fifth cut following earlier cuts;
  • FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line E E of FIG. I] with five successive cuts started and following earlier cuts;
  • FIG. I3 is a sectional view along line E E of FIG. 11 with 20 successive cuts started and following previnus cuts, oil shale suhsiding into spaces behind advancing production faces and subsidence of overburden at surface filled with waste;
  • FIG. 14 is a sectional view along line F F of FIG. 11 and at right angles to FIG. 13 with some twenty suecessive cuts started;
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the lining utilized in the transverse tunnels, having arches of steel or other material.
  • FIG. I6 is a perspective view showing relationship of the tunnels in three levels and the interconnecting ore passes and loading chutes.
  • Mining begins as close to the base of the oil shales as can be attained, and begins at, and advances from, the center of the property and spreads in all directions from the center.
  • the most desirable features of this invention are in the control of production, and surface subsidence; the control of the surface indication of subsidence, and in the provision of a safe working environment.
  • the mining machinery in the Fixed Arch Shield" is remotely controlled by the operator who is always protected by massive steel structures and remote from the actual cutting face and scene of operations, and does not have to come into contact with the ore at any time.
  • Subsidence of the oil shale and overburden follows the advance of the mining apparatus, and spreads out from the center of the property. The degree of subsidence has no effect on the recovery from the surrounding property.
  • the underground workings may be expanded, as required. or a completely separate operation commenced exactly at the limits of mining of the first operation.
  • Ventilation raises or shafts 36 are installed at the approximate four corners of the property. Exemplary distances between might be that the dimensions indicated, Y, would he miles.
  • the Mining Zone is centrally located within the rectangle of ventilation shafts 36.
  • the mining zone being that volume of oil shale, within the property. which is undcr active mining operations.
  • Exemplary di mensions might be that. in a square block 5 miles by 5 miles in extent. the mining zone might be 4 miles by 4 miles with /2 mile around the sides reserved as a 'fender" against the lateral spread of subsidence from the underground workings within the mining zone.
  • a pair of access and supply shafts 26 would be installed 5 at the outer boundary of the property.
  • FIG. I is a plan of a main haulage level driven beneath the mining zone. This level is driven in a known manner at the base of the oil shale, or preferably, below the ore zone.
  • the tunnels which constitute haulage level 20 are driven outwardly from a central access tunnel 35 which also serves as a ventilation tunnel. and are spaced at a distance W, apart. Exemplary dimensions might be that W could be I% miles, although the spacing will be such as to give maximum service with minimum cost.
  • loading chutes 22 are installed in the haulage tunnels 20.
  • the haulage level 20, along with all other levels would be connected to the shafts 26 and 36 by suitable manways for emergencies but, for ventilation, the shafts 26 would be intake,” and the shafts 36 exhaust.”
  • FIG. 2 depicts a collecting and gathering level 21, driven above the main haulage level.
  • This second tunnel complex 21 is connected to the main haulage level 20 by the vertical loading chutes 22.
  • the collecting and gathering level 21, consists of a network of tunnels 23 containing belt or other conveyors, (not shown), converging on the loading chutes 22.
  • FIG. 2 is schematic and the actual number of tunnels 23 would be governed by the optimum spacing of the ore passes from the mining level above.
  • the second level 21 is also the exhaust air level. It is connected to the ventilation shafts 36 by tunnels 34, and the draft adjusted to produce a negative air pressure throughout level 21.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic plan of the first, or upper mining level 24, which is driven above the transport and gathering level 21.
  • the mining level 24 consists of a central access tunnel 25 driven between the two access shafts 26.
  • periphery service tunnels are driven from the central access tunnel 25.
  • the periphery service tunnels 30 extend around the complete outer periphery of the desired mining zone.
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view, enlarged, along Line A A of FIG. 3, and Line B B of FIGS. 1 and 3, and shows the three levels 20, 21, 24, loading chutes 22, ore passes 31, oil shale 40 and overburden 39. When these levels are installed, the mining zone is ready for production.
  • the mining zone is divided into a series of production blocks 29.
  • the width Z of each production block is dependent on the type of Fixed Arch Shield selected for the development.
  • Transverse tunnels 27 are driven between production blocks 29 such that they form the outer boundaries of the production blocks 29, and extend from the central access tunnel 25 to the periphery service tunnels 30.
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged portion of the plan of FIG. 5 and shows the transverse tunnels 27 extending from the central access tunnel 25.
  • the production blocks 29, of width Z, are enclosed between the tunnels 27.
  • Mining begins at, and advances from, the center of the mining zone, on the mining level, at a point approximately equidistant between the access shafts 26.
  • a production block 29, bounded by transverse tunnels 27 is selected as the location of the first cut.
  • the Fixed Arch Shield technique for mining involves the taking of a horizontal cut from a working face of each production block by mechanical mining machines operating within the Shield.”
  • the working face extends between two transverse tunnels 27 and would, therefore, have length Z.
  • the height of the Shield would determine the thickness of cut and an exemplary thickness might be in the region of IO feet.
  • two Fixed Arch Shields are set up, back-to-back in the central access tunnel 25.
  • the production face 28 is. initially, the side wall of the central access tunnel 25.
  • the machinery in the Fixed Arch Shield excavates a slice of oil shale from the side of the central access tunnel and widens the tunnel 25 over the length Z until subsidence of the roof of tunnel 25 occurs.
  • the production face 28 advances by repeated slices being excavated from the face 28 as the Shield is continually moved up to the face 28, between the transverse tunnels 27 along the base of the production block 29.
  • the oil shale material removed from the production face 28 is deposited on chain conveyors, (not shown) in the Fixed Arch Shield which also act as a track for the cutting machines, (not shown), as in standard longwall mining procedure.
  • the ore is conveyed horizontally along the face 28 to the transverse tunnels 27, transferred to belt conveyors in the transverse tunnels 27 and conveyed ahead, away from the central tunnel 25.
  • a vertical ore pass" 31 is made connecting the two tunnels 27 and 23 so that the conveyor in the transverse tunnel 27 discharges down the ore pass 31 onto the belt conveyor in tunnel 23.
  • the ore is then conveyed to the loading chute 22.
  • the central tunnel 25 is re-excavated two more Fixed Arch Shields are set back-to-back and then advanced outward along the production block to make a second cut, 42.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic plan of the same area as FIG. 6 showing the first mining cuts 41 advancing from the central access tunnel 25 in six production blocks 29 on the mining level 24.
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line C C, FIG. 7 with the moving production faces 28 producing the first cuts 41. Oil shale is shown subsiding into the space 33 behind the production face 28 with the subsidence 37 8 extending upward, and spreading out, through the oil shale 40 and the overburden 39.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic plan of the same area as FIG. 7 but with the first cuts 41 being followed by second cuts 42. More production blocks 29 are under active operation and the area of operations is expanded both ahead and laterally from that shown in FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line D D, FIG. 9 with first cut 41 advanced and second cut 42 following.
  • the subsidence 37 in the oil shale 40 and the overburden is more extensive and is being filled in at the surface by waste, 38.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic plan of the same area as FIGS. 5, 7, 9, at a more advanced stage of development when the production faces 28 are far advanced with the fifth cut 45 following earlier cuts 44, 43, 42, (cut 4] already advanced beyond the area). All production blocks are in active development within the selected mining zone.
  • FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line E E of FIG. 1] with five successive cuts started and following others, again, oil shale 40 is shown subsiding into spaces 33 behind the production faces 28, and the subsidence of overburden 37 at the surface filled with waste 38.
  • FIGS. 7 to 12 inclusive therefore Show the progress of the removal ofthe oil shale, the subsidence of the remaining oil shale and the overburden, and the filling of the subsidence with waste.
  • FIG. 13 is a sectional view along line E E of FIG. 11 at a much more advanced stage when twenty successive cuts have been started and are following the previous cuts. A large part ofthe oil shale in the mining zone has at this stage been removed from its original position accompanied by the infilling of a large amount of waste.
  • FIG. 14 is a sectional view along line F F of FIG. 11, which is at right angles to line E E and to FIG. 13 with the same twenty cuts started, the same amount of oil shale removed, same amount of subsidence, and the same amount of infilled waste as shown in FIG. 13.
  • FIG. I5 shows the transverse tunnels as being lined with arches constructed preferably of steel, or materials having similar properties.
  • the movement of each successive production face 28 along the length of the production block 29, between the transverse tunnels 27, in the Fixed Arch Shield technique, is accompanied by movement and re-arrangement of these arches.
  • the material above the arches is excavated so that there is no build-up of pressure on the arches as the roof or back 32 subsides behind the production face 28.
  • FIG. 16 shown in perspective, the interconnecting of the three levels, 20, 21, and the transverse tunnels 27 of the mining level.
  • the angular relationship of the tunnel system may be chosen to suit a particular mining zone, and therefore is not limited to the configuration shown.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 remains in the transverse tunnels 27, behind the production face 28, as the production face 28 advances along the production block 29, but is not occupied, (except for emergency escape).
  • the tunnel 27 continues to provide ventilation to the production face 28.
  • Brecciation of the oil shale 40 is desirable for most ecomonical mining because it is just as effective as con ventional blasting techniques. but brccciation should be limited to the zone immediately above the mining level 24 so that the whole mining zone does not become too permeable to surface waters.
  • the subsidence due to a single cut is minor. Because of the comparatively large area involved. the subsidence must extend to surface. However. by the time the subsidence reaches surface it has spread over an area approximately twice the area of the cut in the production block 29. It will also have only substantially half the vertical movement over this greater area. It is therefore manifest. at surface. as a gentle subsidence that can only be detected by precise measurements.
  • a thin layer of tailings 38 is spread. on surface. over the subsiding area.
  • the spreading of tailings is continued as the mining and subsiding continues.
  • the apparent effect on surface is that there is a continuous spreading ofa thin layer.
  • a mining system including a mine having at least two operating levels. interconnected by shaft means, and spaced one from the other in the vertical direction. said system comprising:
  • tunnel complex adapted for the utilization of the Fixed Arch Shield mining technique. which tunnel complex includes:
  • said level further including conveyor means adapted to collect and transport said mined ore to said shaft means;
  • a second operating level positioned below said first level and parallel therewith, said second level having a tunnel complex linked with said shaft means; said level further including means operatively associated with said shaft means, adapted to receive ore passing from said first level through said shaft means and to transport said ore from said mine.
  • a second operating level positioned below said first level to be parallel therewith.
  • said second level having a tunnel system co-operating with said first section of said shaft means; means operatively associated with said shaft means to receive ore passing therethrough from said first level; said means adpated for the transportation of said ore through said level to a second section of said shaft means.
  • a third operating level positioned below said second level to be parallel therwith.
  • said third level having a tunnel system co-operating with said second section of said shaft means, said level including means operatively associated with said second section of said shaft means. said means being adapted to receive ore passing therethrough from said second level. and to transport said ore from said mine.
  • said means for mining each said mining block includes an arch shield extending between adjacent of said transverse tunnels and positioned across the face of each said block. which shield partially encloses mining machinery inll eluding: rotary cutting means adapted for reciprocating across said face; shearing plough means and; said means for conveying mined ore from said face to said transverse tunnels.
  • a method of mining subsurface friable mineral ore deposits comprising the steps of:
  • the method of claim 7 including the additional step of providing ventilation ducting to each operating level, and providing a negative air pressure within the tunnel complex of said transport level.
  • the method of claim 7 including the additional step on controlling the limit, degree, and amount of surface subsidence by dimensional adjustment of said mining blocks, the regulation of the frequency and spacing of mining operations, and by mining in an outward direction from the center of said mining zone.
US502296A 1974-09-03 1974-09-03 Method for mining oil shales, tar sands, and other minerals Expired - Lifetime US3888543A (en)

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US502296A US3888543A (en) 1974-09-03 1974-09-03 Method for mining oil shales, tar sands, and other minerals
CA232,825A CA1038411A (en) 1974-09-03 1975-08-05 Method for mining oil shales, tar sands and other minerals
BR7505564*A BR7505564A (pt) 1974-09-03 1975-08-29 Sistema de mineracao,configuracao de mina e processo para minerar depositos de minerio friavel no subsolo
DE19752538663 DE2538663A1 (de) 1974-09-03 1975-08-30 Verfahren und einrichtung zum abbau von oelschiefern, teersanden und anderen mineralien

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US6372123B1 (en) 2000-06-26 2002-04-16 Colt Engineering Corporation Method of removing water and contaminants from crude oil containing same
US6536523B1 (en) 1997-01-14 2003-03-25 Aqua Pure Ventures Inc. Water treatment process for thermal heavy oil recovery
US6554368B2 (en) * 2000-03-13 2003-04-29 Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc. Method and system for mining hydrocarbon-containing materials
US20030160500A1 (en) * 2002-01-09 2003-08-28 Drake Ronald D. Method and means for processing oil sands while excavating
US20040262980A1 (en) * 2003-06-04 2004-12-30 Watson John David Method and means for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sands by underground mining
US20070039729A1 (en) * 2005-07-18 2007-02-22 Oil Sands Underground Mining Corporation Method of increasing reservoir permeability
US20070044957A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2007-03-01 Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc. Method for underground recovery of hydrocarbons
US20080017416A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2008-01-24 Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc. Method of drilling from a shaft for underground recovery of hydrocarbons
US20080078552A1 (en) * 2006-09-29 2008-04-03 Osum Oil Sands Corp. Method of heating hydrocarbons
US20080087422A1 (en) * 2006-10-16 2008-04-17 Osum Oil Sands Corp. Method of collecting hydrocarbons using a barrier tunnel
US20090084707A1 (en) * 2007-09-28 2009-04-02 Osum Oil Sands Corp. Method of upgrading bitumen and heavy oil
US20090100754A1 (en) * 2007-10-22 2009-04-23 Osum Oil Sands Corp. Method of removing carbon dioxide emissions from in-situ recovery of bitumen and heavy oil
US20090139716A1 (en) * 2007-12-03 2009-06-04 Osum Oil Sands Corp. Method of recovering bitumen from a tunnel or shaft with heating elements and recovery wells
US20090194280A1 (en) * 2008-02-06 2009-08-06 Osum Oil Sands Corp. Method of controlling a recovery and upgrading operation in a reservoir
US8209192B2 (en) 2008-05-20 2012-06-26 Osum Oil Sands Corp. Method of managing carbon reduction for hydrocarbon producers
US8313152B2 (en) 2006-11-22 2012-11-20 Osum Oil Sands Corp. Recovery of bitumen by hydraulic excavation
US20130106165A1 (en) * 2010-02-22 2013-05-02 Max Edward Oddie Underground mining

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Cited By (38)

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US20030127400A1 (en) * 1997-01-14 2003-07-10 Steve Kresnyak Water treatment process for thermal heavy oil recovery
US6536523B1 (en) 1997-01-14 2003-03-25 Aqua Pure Ventures Inc. Water treatment process for thermal heavy oil recovery
US6984292B2 (en) 1997-01-14 2006-01-10 Encana Corporation Water treatment process for thermal heavy oil recovery
US6929330B2 (en) 2000-03-13 2005-08-16 Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc. Method and system for mining hydrocarbon-containing materials
US20040070257A1 (en) * 2000-03-13 2004-04-15 Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc. Method and system for mining hydrocarbon-containing materials
US6869147B2 (en) 2000-03-13 2005-03-22 Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc. Method and system for mining hydrocarbon-containing materials
US6554368B2 (en) * 2000-03-13 2003-04-29 Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc. Method and system for mining hydrocarbon-containing materials
US6372123B1 (en) 2000-06-26 2002-04-16 Colt Engineering Corporation Method of removing water and contaminants from crude oil containing same
US20030160500A1 (en) * 2002-01-09 2003-08-28 Drake Ronald D. Method and means for processing oil sands while excavating
US7461901B2 (en) 2002-01-09 2008-12-09 Osum Oil Sands Corp. Method and means for processing oil sands while excavating
US20050093361A1 (en) * 2002-01-09 2005-05-05 Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc. Method and means for processing oil sands while excavating
US20070085409A1 (en) * 2002-01-09 2007-04-19 Oil Sands Underground Mining Corp. Method and means for processing oil sands while excavating
US7448692B2 (en) 2002-01-09 2008-11-11 Osum Oil Sands.Corp Method and means for processing oil sands while excavating
US7097255B2 (en) 2002-01-09 2006-08-29 Oil Sands Underground Mining Corp. Method and means for processing oil sands while excavating
US20050218711A1 (en) * 2003-06-04 2005-10-06 Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc. Method and means for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sands by underground mining
US7192092B2 (en) 2003-06-04 2007-03-20 Oil Sands Underground Mining Corporation Method and means for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sands by underground mining
US7128375B2 (en) 2003-06-04 2006-10-31 Oil Stands Underground Mining Corp. Method and means for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sands by underground mining
US20040262980A1 (en) * 2003-06-04 2004-12-30 Watson John David Method and means for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sands by underground mining
US20070044957A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2007-03-01 Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc. Method for underground recovery of hydrocarbons
US20070039729A1 (en) * 2005-07-18 2007-02-22 Oil Sands Underground Mining Corporation Method of increasing reservoir permeability
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BR7505564A (pt) 1976-08-03
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