Mining of Mineral Deposits

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Study of rational solution parameters during in-situ uranium leaching

Shukhrat Alikulov1, Javokhir Toshov2, Ravil Mussin3, Mukhammedrakhym Rabatuly3, Bauyrzhan Tolovkhan3, Zhanbota Bogzhanova 3, Ayauzhan Gabitova3

1Navoi State University of Mining and Technologies, Navoi, Uzbekistan

2Tashkent State Technical University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

3Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan


Min. miner. depos. 2025, 19(1):37-46


https://doi.org/10.33271/mining19.01.037

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      ABSTRACT

      Purpose. The research aims to study and optimize the in-situ leaching (ISL) process for uranium mining using surface-active substances (surfactants) to improve the efficiency of uranium extraction from low-permeability ores.

      Methods. As part of the research, samples of low-permeability ores are taken and previously analyzed for porosity and filtration anisotropy coefficient, which is important for assessing their filtration properties. To study the effect of surfactants such as polyacrylamide, sulfanol and Mesh Drainage Liquid Filter (MDLF) compounds, solutions with different concentrations of these substances are prepared. Also, to determine the most effective surfactant concentrations, additional studies are conducted to optimize the leaching conditions, taking into account the effects of various factors such as temperature and pH of the solution. All the obtained results are mathematically analyzed to identify the optimal conditions, which helps to increase the efficiency of the uranium leaching process and improve the experimental results.

      Findings. In the course of the research conducted on the selection of surfactants for uranium leaching from low-permeability ores, the following results have been obtained. Sulfanol, as one of the surfactants used, shows the best results, significantly increasing the filtration coefficient from 0.5 to 2.0 m/day. This confirms its high efficiency in improving the ore horizon permeability and in accelerating the leaching process.

      Originality. The scientific novelty of the research is in the development of methods for optimal use of surface-active substances to improve the efficiency of the in-situ uranium leaching process from low-permeability ores. Studies have been conducted to determine the influence of various surfactants on the filtration properties of ores, as well as their in-fluence on accelerating the leaching process.

      Practical implications. The practical significance of the research is in the possibility of using the obtained data to optimize the in-situ uranium leaching process at real deposits with low-permeability of ore horizons. The developed recommendations on the selection of surfactants, such as sulfanol and polyacrylamide, as well as their optimal concentrations, can be directly applied to improve leaching efficiency, increase filtration coefficient, and reduce seam treatment time.

      Keywords: in-situ leaching, colmatation, sulfanol, polyacrylamide, porosity, anisotropy, filtration coefficient


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