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madmax240kph

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Potash Mine Disaster in the Making

posted on Nov 22, 2014 05:08PM

Will be interesting to see what happens next. The potash mine is slowly flooding and

here are some pics of the drain hole which just got unplugged from the earth.

Insane pictures of Russian potash mine disaster

Vladimir Basov | November 20, 2014

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Solikamsk-2 accident first implications: situation could worsen

After a statement made by one of the world’s largest potash producers and exporters Uralkali (MCX:URKA)(LON:URALL), first visual implications of Solikamsk-2 potash mine accident have been revealed.

A sinkhole with a diameter of 30-40 meters has been detected to the east of the Solikamsk-2 production site, at the area packed with summer cottages. There were no casualties reported so far.

30-40 meters diameter sinkhole near the Solikamsk-2 potash mine (source: V-kurse.ru).

30-40 meters diameter sinkhole near the Solikamsk-2 potash mine (source: V-kurse.ru).

Some experts do believe that producing Solikamsk-1 mine adjacent to flooded Solikamsk-2 mine, likely to be flooded also, but it will not happen soon since there are two safety barriers installed between mines, – a 20 meters concrete wall and a 200 meters pillar, which entirely consists of potassium salt (see picture below).

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-808569" title="Insane pictures of Russian potash mine disaster " src="http://www.mining.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/949x733xuralkali-solikamsk-2-potash-graphic.jpg.png.pagespeed.ic.p5g9nU7ISD.png" alt="Insane pictures of Russian potash mine disaster" width="949" height="733"/>
Cross-section of Solikamsk 1 and 2 mines. Source: V-kurse.ru

Potentially, fresh water could mix with the brine in a flooded mine, which in turn may create microfractures in a concrete wall by that time.
Tectonic fractures are other possible way water/brine mix may penetrate and dissolve protective pillar.
Theoretically, this process may take years, if it really happens.
We will continue to monitor Uralkali’s official statements in this regard.