Method and system for recovering subsurface earth substances

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Disclosed are leaching methods and apparatus for recovering minerals such as ores, high viscosity oil and the, like, from the subsurface earth formation. More specifically is disclosed a method of recovering solid and semi-solid petroleum substances and the like from a subsurface earth formation. The method includes the steps of establishing at least one substantially vertical shaft hole extending from the surface of the earth to the earth formation, forming a subterranean operating chamber connecting the shaft hole with the formation and drilling a plurality of boreholes extending substantially laterally and radially outward from the chamber into the formation. Thereafter the method …