New Requests for Proposals

SMRI is pleased to share the following new Requests for Proposals (RFPs) with our members and industry friends. RFPs are issued based on recommendations from the SMRI Research Committee, who identify further research needs. Current developments offer the opportunity to continue and intensify SMRI´s research activities. Upon publication, new RFPs are sent via email to all individuals within the SMRI Database and posted on this page.

RFP2026-01: “Investigation and Analysis of Subsidence on Salt Cavern Facilities”

Subsidence is an unavoidable effect of cavern leaching and operation (as well as of conventional mining). It has the potential to affect surface structures (e.g., buildings, roads, pipelines) as well as environmental and agricultural aspects (e.g., soil waterlogging, drainage of ditches). Thus, subsidence prediction, limitation and monitoring are major topics of cavern regulations and support stakeholder confidence and the long-term viability of salt cavern projects.

The analysis of subsidence for any cavern field involves the analysis of past subsidence, the prediction of future subsidence, monitoring, and assessment of possible effects at surface. Since subsidence is one of the few, and often the only, measurement that gives information about the status of the rock mass, its analysis is crucial to assess the status of the field and to detect possible problems early. Monitoring data can also be used to support cavern operators from liability claims for damage to surface structures if the relevant quantities (e.g., tilt or compression) are below suitable limits.

This RFP seeks to better understand the instances where traditional subsidence monitoring methods may be too simplified for complex geology associated with salt structures, and of their potential impact.
Download the RFP for more information

There are several possibilities for the approach to this work and specifics regarding the scope can be found within the  RFPs. Responses to RFPs should be reasonably brief (less than 10 pages), describe the proposed effort and offer a succinct discussion of the respective technical approach. 

Responses for any proposals should be submitted in electronic form via email to Tim Bauer, SMRI Research Coordinator, ([email protected]) and Executive Director John Nadeau ([email protected]) by 15 May 2026. Please email a statement of your interest or intentions to respond before 1 April 2026, so you can receive any updates or modifications to the RFP(s). Questions relating to the RFP(s) should be directed in writing (via email) to the Research Coordinator. Answers to questions that apply to all potential proposers will be forwarded to identified proposers. Standard Terms and Conditions for SMRI Research Contracts apply to all RFPs.