Processes and configurations for subterranean resource extraction

A process for in situ subterranean resource extraction from subterranean space comprising a resource deposit by extracting a resource from the resource deposit using a borehole configuration that comprises:

• a) a first borehole string extending downward from a surface region into the resource deposit, the first borehole string comprising first and second sections, the first section extending downward from the surface region and the second section extending laterally in a first lateral direction from the first section into the resource deposit;
• and
• b) a second borehole string extending downward from the surface region into the resource deposit, the second borehole string situated adjacent to the first borehole string and comprising first and second sections, the first section extending downward from the surface region and the second section extending laterally in a second lateral direction from the first section of the second borehole string into the resource deposit,
• where proximal portions of the second sections of the first and second borehole strings curve away from one another and then penannularly extend to form a first planar region, and to distally connect at a nodal space so that a fluid path is formed downward from the surface region through the first borehole string to the nodal space and from the nodal space upward to the surface region through the second borehole string,
• wherein the process comprises:
• (i) injecting a carrier fluid from the surface region downward through the first or second borehole string along the fluid path to thereby in situ leach resource material from the resource deposit into the carrier fluid and increase internal volumes of the second sections of the first and second borehole strings,
• (ii) circulating the carrier fluid comprising the leached resource material along the fluid path via the nodal space and upward to the surface region through the second borehole string when injecting the carrier fluid through the first borehole string, or through the first borehole string when injecting the carrier fluid through the second borehole string;
• and
• (iii) recovering the carrier fluid comprising the in situ leached resource material.