An effect of the material composition of ores and host rocks to the uranium mining and leaching process by the method of in-situ leaching (ISL) at reservoir-infiltration-type deposits

Abstract

Currently there are no specific geotechnological parameters and criteria by which after opening of an ore body it is possible with a high degree of probability to predict an occurrence of problems with the uranium mining. The study of geotechnological properties of ores affecting on uranium reserves development by the ISL method is achieved by various methods: geophysical, mineralogical and petrographic, laboratory, etc. These works are becoming highly relevant while solving problems related with a low efficiency of uranium mining in difficult areas. Specialists engaged in the analysis of problems during an uranium extraction are required an additional data concerning the mineralogical and petrophysical composition of ore-hosting rocks, the forms of uranium in the rock, the composition of uranium minerals, textural, structural features and lithological and filtration types of uranium distribution, the degree of rocks heterogeneity filtration, and their acid capacity, and etc.