Underground Mineral Extraction

To reach the level where the sodium borate mineral deposit is located, approximately 275m below surface, it would be necessary to construct two declined access tunnels that would connect the surface with the deposit zone at depth. Only the portion containing the ore would be excavated, significantly reducing the removal of surrounding non-ore material.

The underground mineral extraction technique involves creating a grid-like structure of underground chambers from which the minerals are extracted while leaving "pillars" of untouched material behind. The walls and ceilings of these underground excavations would be reinforced with concrete, while the pillars maintain structural integrity, preventing surface subsidence. The excavated chambers would later be backfilled with aggregate material, known as "fill". This well-established and commonly applied approach ensures that above-ground activities, such as agriculture, living, and working, would remain unaffected.

The mineral extraction process requires detailed planning to address potential interference with groundwater, avoid aquifers, and prevent water intrusion into the underground facility.

Since most operations would take place underground, this method ensures mineral resource extraction is carried out with minimal surface infrastructure and negligible environmental impact, unlike open-pit operations, which significantly affects the ecosystem and alters the landscape.