Technology

Red Leaf Resources is committed to delivering the best available practices for environmental management and mitigation. The EcoShale™ In-Capsule Technology process is based on this philosophy as it minimizes emissions, reduces C02 output, has low water requirements, protects ground water, minimizes surface disturbance and allows for rapid reclamation.

Clean-burning natural gas burners provide the direct heat to the capsule; this results in lower emissions, including C02 output, than realized with other types of fuel consumption. In addition, the development of multiple adjacent capsules allows for heat recycling, which further reduces fuel requirements and emissions.

The Bentonite clay liner, that encases the capsule, protects ground water from any potential leaching from the processed shale.

The high efficiency of the EcoShale™ In-Capsule Technology process allows for maximum production of synthetic oil shale feedstock with a reduced surface disturbance. Approximately 100,000 barrels of oil can be produced per acre on Red Leaf’s current leased properties. Production amounts may vary in other areas where the technology might be used, but the high process efficiency will continue to support maximum output with minimal surface impact. Moreover, surface reclamation commences before the capsule heating is initiated since overburden replacement occurs as the final stage of capsule construction. Once the 90-day heating period (approximate) is completed and subsequent cool-down has taken place, the area can be reseeded and final reclamation of the capsule area completed. The time horizon from construction to conclusion of the best reclamation practices is approximately one year for each capsule.

The EcoShale™ In-Capsule Technology process does not require water. Water requirements are limited to dust control, reclamation needs, and on-site worker use. The amount of water required for dust control is minimized because the depleted shale is contained within the heating capsule and does not have to be transported to a disposal location. Some reclamation requirements can be met with recycled production water, further minimizing water consumption.

Because the EcoShale™ In-Capsule Technology process minimizes impact up-front, environmental permitting risks are significantly reduced. Red Leaf Resources is also well positioned to meet the social concerns regarding carbon management, water consumption and habitat protection.