Exploratory drilling Rütihard
Muttenz, BL
47° 31′ 03″ N, 7° 37′ 55″ E
2019 - 2020
At its three production sites in Schweizerhalle (BL), Riburg (AG) and Bex (VD), Schweizer Salinen Ltd extracts approximately 600,000 tonnes of salt annually by solution mining. To secure future salt production at the Schweizerhalle site, Schweizer Salinen is examining the feasibility of a potential mining area in the Rütihard region of Muttenz.
In addition to other investigation methods, two exploratory boreholes were being drilled with the method of wireline core drilling to assess the salt thickness and quality, the lithostratigraphic and tectonic structure of the rock, and the hydrogeological conditions. The final depths of the two exploratory boreholes were between 250 and 290 metres.
The exploratory drilling to a depth of almost 300 metres brings 250 million years of geological history to light. It is like reading a historical book.
In particular, boreholes were drilled in the Schinznach and Zeglingen formations, which contain the salt deposit. Specialised contractors conducted various geophysical measurements in the boreholes, as well as hydraulic tests and experiments to determine the in-situ stress field of the rock.
GEOTEST was assigned with the drillsite geology. This included a permanent ltihologic and structural core description, the stratigraphic classification of the drill cores, and drilling related advisory services to the client. Furthermore, we were responsible for the scientific evaluation and synthesis of all logging and testing methods which were carried out in the boreholes and the elaboration of a conceptual structural model of the area.
