| abstract |
A method of producing hydrocarbons and optionally water-soluble minerals from a subterranean or underground oil shale formation containing zone(s) of water-soluble minerals by forming interconnecting cavities or a cavern within said water-soluble mineral-containing oil shale formation by fluid leaching the water-soluble minerals and simultaneously or sequentially flowing a hot fluid into the upper portion of the cavern in order to place the cavern roof including the cavern wall under stress so as to effect oil shale spalling and rubbling and improve recovery of hydrocarbons. |