Sóbányászat

Sóbányászat refers to the extraction of salt from underground deposits. This process has been practiced for millennia, with some of the earliest known salt mines dating back to ancient times. The primary methods employed in modern sóbányászat are room and pillar mining and solution mining.

In room and pillar mining, large underground chambers are excavated, leaving behind pillars of salt to support the roof. This method is suitable for thick salt seams. The extracted salt is then transported to the surface for processing. Solution mining, on the other hand, involves injecting water into the salt deposit to dissolve it. The resulting brine is then pumped to the surface and evaporated to recover the salt. This method is often used when the salt deposit is deep or irregularly shaped.

Salt is a vital commodity with numerous applications. It is essential for human and animal health, acting as an electrolyte and contributing to various bodily functions. Industrially, salt is used in the production of chemicals such as chlorine and sodium hydroxide, which are critical for manufacturing plastics, paper, and other goods. It also plays a role in food preservation, de-icing roads, and water treatment. The global demand for salt continues to drive sóbányászat operations worldwide.