DEEP UNDERGROUND SCIENCE AT THE SOUDAN MINE: A PROPOSAL BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

The University of Minnesota has recently submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation that describes an ongoing initiative to design and implement a Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) at the Soudan Underground Laboratory. Soudan DUSEL is unique because: (1) Soudan is an existing laboratory with an ongoing science program, including the world's most sensitive long baseline neutrino oscillation and dark matter experiments. (2) Soudan is the only DUSEL site with a neutrino beam. (3) Soudan has a known diverse geological and geochemical setting and high geomicrobiological metabolic potential, including fracture zones, potentially hydrogen-generating basalts, iron oxides, sulfide minerals, deep Canadian Shield brines, and traces of methane gas. (4) The Soudan staff has 25 years of highly successful project management and underground science experience. (5) Soudan combines the advantages of an existing infrastructure and a “green field” site.

The proposed work plan, some of which is already underway using funds from the University of Minnesota, includes four major activities: Project Coordination, including liaison with the underground physics and geoscience communities; Site Characterization, with primary emphasis on a ~1,600 m bore hole to test the geological structure model and gather engineering, geochemical and geomicrobiological data; Engineering and Design, including access, underground layout, surface campus, utilities, fire and life safety, environmental and regulatory issues; and Coordination with the Ongoing Science Program at Soudan, especially the Low Background Counting Facility.