Solution mining method utilizing dissolved oxygen

A method for leaching mineral values from an underground ore body in situ comprises introducing an oxygen-bearing gas into a pressurized saturation-disengagement chamber located above ground over the ore body where the oxygen-bearing gas becomes dissolved in a leach solution. The leach solution with dissolved oxygen therein is then pumped into the well and through the ore body where the leach solution oxidizes the mineral values, permitting their dissolution and transport by the leach solution to a recovery well where the pregnant leach solution is pumped above ground. The solution is then treated to remove the mineral values. Insuring that the oxygen-bearing gas is completely dissolved in the leach solution above ground in the saturation-disengagement chamber prevents gas bubbles from being pumped into the ore formation, thereby preventing loss of injectivity. (author)