Mining of Mineral Deposits

ISSN 2415-3443 (Online)

ISSN 2415-3435 (Print)

Flag Counter

Mineralogical composition of colmatants in uranium in situ leach mining: XRD characterization and SEM evaluation of decolmation efficiency

Zhanibek Seitov1, Zhiger Kenzhetaev2, Yuriy Permenev2, Assel Shampikova3, Aigul Moldaganapova4, Bakytzhan Toktaruly1

1Satbayev University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

2Institute of High Technologies (IHT), Almaty, Kazakhstan

3META University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

4ALT University, Almaty, Kazakhstan


Min. miner. depos. 2026, 20(3): 134-145


https://doi.org/10.33271/mining20.03.134

Full text (PDF)


      ABSTRACT

      Purpose. To determine the mineralogical composition of colmatants formed during uranium in situ leaching at the North Kharasan, North Karamurun, and Irkol deposits of the Syrdarya uranium province and to evaluate their structural response to chemical decolmation treatments to substantiate deposit-specific approaches to well treatment.

      Methods. Colmatant samples collected from the inner surfaces of submersible pump assemblies in production wells were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quantitative phase composition was determined using a PANalytical X’Pert MPD PRO diffractometer. The samples were treated with two decolmation solutions: Solution 1 containing 10% HF and Solution 2 containing 5% HF, 10% H2SO4, and 1% surfactant. SEM observations were used to compare changes in surface morphology, crystal fragmentation, and formation of cavities and voids before and after treatment.

      Findings. Carbonate minerals constitute a major fraction of the studied colmatants, accounting for approximately 57% at North Kharasan, 29% at North Karamurun, and 45% at Irkol. North Kharasan is characterized by an ankerite-dominated assemblage, North Karamurun by a mixed carbonate-phosphate composition with a 51% phosphate fraction, and Irkol by a carbonate-rich assemblage containing 18% gypsum. Both decolmation solutions substantially disrupted the colmatant structure. The 10% HF solution generally caused more intensive local destruction, whereas the composite solution produced a comparable overall structural effect while reducing the HF concentration by half. For gypsum-rich colmatants, HF treatment may promote CaF2 precipitation, requiring sufficient pumping and subsequent flushing.

      Originality. The study integrates quantitative XRD characterization of operational colmatants with SEM-based assessment of their responses to two chemical treatments. It establishes a direct relationship between deposit-specific mineralogical composition and the selection of decolmatation approaches.

      Practical implications. The results provide a mineralogy-based framework for selecting effective decolmatation treatments at uranium ISL deposits. The composite 5% HF + 10% H2SO4 + 1% surfactant formulation can be considered for further field validation, while gypsum-rich systems require additional measures to prevent secondary colmatation caused by CaF2 precipitation.

      Keywords: in situ leaching; uranium mining; colmatation; colmatants; mineralogical composition; X-ray diffraction; decolmation; gypsum precipitation; well treatment


      REFERENCES

  1. World Nuclear Association. (2026). In-situ leach mining of uranium. Retrieved from: https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/mining-of-uranium/in-situ-leach-mining-of-uranium
  2. Li, G., & Yao, J. (2024). A review of in situ leaching (ISL) for uranium mining. Mining, 4(1), 120-148. https://doi.org/10.3390/mining4010009
  3. Seredkin, M., Zabolotsky, A., & Jeffress, G. (2016). In situ recovery, an alternative to conventional methods of mining: Exploration, resource estimation, environmental issues, project evaluation and economics. Ore Geology Reviews, 79, 500-514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2016.06.016
  4. Khomenko, O., Rudakov, D., Lkhagva, T., Sala, D., Buketov, V., & Dychkovskyi, R. (2023). Managing the horizon-oriented in-situ leaching for the uranium deposits of Mongolia. Rudarsko-Geolosko-Naftni Zbornik, 38(5), 49-60. https://doi.org/10.17794/rgn.2023.5.5
  5. Abzalov, M.Z. (2012). Sandstone-hosted uranium deposits amenable for exploitation by in situ leaching technologies. Applied Earth Science, 121(2), 55-64. https://doi.org/10.1179/1743275813Y.0000000029
  6. NAC Kazatomprom JSC. (2025). Operating and financial review for 2024. Astana, Kazakhstan: NAC Kazatomprom JSC. Available at: https://www.kazatomprom.kz/storage/c0/fy2024_ofr_eng.pdf
  7. Yazikov, V.G., Rogov, E.I., Zabaznov, V.L., & Rogov, A.E. (2001). Geotechnology of uranium at Kazakhstan deposits. Almaty, Kazakhstan: Satbayev University, 444 p.
  8. Kenzhetaev, Z., Nurbekova, M., Togizov, K., Abdraimova, M., & Toktaruly, B. (2021). Methods for intensification of borehole uranium mining at the fields with low filtration characteristics of ores. Mining of Mineral Deposits, 15(3), 95-101. https://doi.org/10.33271/mining15.03.095
  9. Bektay, Y., Turysbekova, G. S., Altynbek, A. D., Shiderin, B., & Duysebaev, B. (2022). Investigation of the distribution of associated metals in productive wells for in situ recovery (ISR) of uranium. Proceedings of the International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management, 22(4.2), 69-73. https://doi.org/10.5593/sgem2022V/4.2/s18.09
  10. Kenzhaliyev, B., Berkinbayeva, A., Baltabekova, Z., Moldabayeva, G., Smailov, K., Saulebekkyzy, S., Tolegenova, N., Karim, D., & Omirbek, T. (2025). Investigation of phase transformations in technogenic raw materials under microwave treatment for enhanced zinc leaching. Processes, 13(4), 1099. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041099
  11. World Nuclear News. (n.d.). Kazatomprom confirms 2024 production plans as acid woes continue. Retrieved from: https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Kazatomprom-confirms-2024-production-plans-as-acid
  12. Seitov, Z., Toktaruly, B., Kenzhetayev, Z., & Altaibayev, B. (2026). Oxidation kinetics of tetravalent uranium during sulfuric-acid leaching intensification under in-situ recovery conditions. Journal of Mining Institute, 279, 98-111.
  13. Bhargava, S.K., Ram, R., Pownceby, M., Grocott, S., Ring, B., Tardio, J., & Jones, L. (2015). A review of acid leaching of uraninite. Hydrometallurgy, 151, 10-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2014.10.015
  14. Mudd, G. (2001). Critical review of acid in situ leach uranium mining: 2. Soviet block and Asia. Environmental Geology, 41, 404-416. https://doi.org/10.1007/s002540100405
  15. Ghorbani, Y., & Montenegro, M.R. (2016). Leaching behaviour and the solution consumption of uranium-vanadium ore in alkali carbonate-bicarbonate column leaching. Hydrometallurgy, 161, 127-137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2016.02.001
  16. Gilligan, R., & Nikoloski, A.N. (2017). Alkaline leaching of brannerite. Part 1: Kinetics, reaction mechanisms and mineralogical transformations. Hydrometallurgy, 169, 399-410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2017.02.019
  17. Kenzhetayev, Z., Toksanbayev, B., Yessimkanova, U., & Mataev, M. (2025). Study of scandium sorption on a phosphorus-containing cation exchange resin from solutions generated during uranium extraction. Mining of Mineral Deposits, 19(3), 22-31. https://doi.org/10.33271/mining19.03.022
  18. Baimbetov, B., Tazhiyev, Y., Yeleuliyeva, A., Moldabayeva, G., Dauletbakova, A., Yakob, Y., & Taimassova, A. (2024). Sintering with sodium carbonate and leaching of wolframite cakes. Applied Sciences, 14(24), 12031. https://doi.org/10.3390/app142412031
  19. Baimbetov, B.S., Moldabayeva, G.Zh., Taimassova, A.N., & Kunilova, I.V. (2025). Processing of copper smelting slag using sulfuric acid leaching: Technological aspects and solutions. Eurasian Mining, 83-85. https://doi.org/10.17580/em.2025.01.16
  20. Vladyko, O., Maltsev, D., Sala, D., Cichoń, D., Buketov, V., & Dychkovskyi, R. (2022). Simulation of leaching processes of polymetallic ores using the similarity theorem. Rudarsko-Geolosko-Naftni Zbornik, 37(5), 169-180. https://doi.org/10.17794/rgn.2022.5.14
  21. Lyashenko, V.I., Dudar, T.V., Stus, V.P., & Shapovalov, V.A. (2024). Justification of efficiency and subsoil protection during underground development of ore deposits using traditional technologies in combination with metals leaching. Mineral Resources of Ukraine, 2, 69-77. https://doi.org/10.31996/mru.2024.2.69-77
  22. Baymurzaev, Kh.R., & Markelov, S.V. (2011). Effect of chemical colmatation in fractured-porous rock mass on block-wise in-situ leaching performance. Gornyi Vestnik Uzbekistana, 1, 45-49.
  23. Molchanov, A.A., & Demekhov, Yu.V. (2014). Stimulation of uranium recovery from hydrogenous deposits by in-situ leaching in Kazakhstan. Proceedings of the VII International Scientific and Practical Conference “Actual Problems of Uranium Industry”, 92-98.
  24. Filippov, A.P., & Nesterov, Yu.V. (2009). Redox processes and intensification of metal leaching. Moskva, Russia:Ruda i Metally, 543 p.
  25. Kaksonen, A.H., Lakaniemi, A.M., & Tuovinen, O.H. (2020). Acid and ferric sulfate bioleaching of uranium ores: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 264, 121586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121586
  26. Zhao, L., Deng, J., Xu, Y., & Zhang, C. (2018). Mineral alteration and pore-plugging caused by acid in situ leaching: A case study of the Wuyier uranium deposit, Xinjiang, NW China. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 11, 707. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-4050-0
  27. Oryngozhin, E.S., Fedorov, E.V., Alisheva, Zh.N., & Mitishova, N.A. (2021). In-situ leaching technology for uranium deposits. Eurasian Mining, 2, 31-35. https://doi.org/10.17580/em.2021.02.07
  28. Turysbekova, G.S., Bektay, Y., Altynbek, A.D., Sydykanov, M., & Shiderin, B. (2022). Influence of iron-oxidizing bacteria on the redox potential of the leaching solution in situ recovery (ISR) of uranium. Proceedings of the International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management, 22(6.2), 207-213. https://doi.org/10.5593/sgem2022V/6.2/s25.27v
  29. Shiderin, B., Bektay, Y., Turysbekova, G., Altynbek, A., & Bektayev, M. (2024). Development of technology for the bioleaching of uranium in a solution of bacterial immobilization. Applied Sciences, 14(11), 4640. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114640
  30. Turysbekova, G., Bektay, Y., Altynbek, A., Berillo, D., Shiderin, B., & Bektayev, M. (2025). Optimization of bioleaching conditions using acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans at low temperatures in a uranium mining environment. Minerals, 15(7), 727. https://doi.org/10.3390/min15070727
  31. Aben, E., Yussupova, S., Akhmetkanov, D., Yelzhanov, E., & Sarybayev, N. (2024). Research into uranium characteristics and content in a pregnant solution during leaching with oxygen saturation. Civil Engineering Journal, 10(5), 1606-1615. https://doi.org/10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-05-016
  32. Rakishev, B.R., Kenzhetaev, Z.S., Mataev, M.M., & Togizov, K.S. (2022). Improving the efficiency of downhole uranium production using oxygen as an oxidizer. Minerals, 12(8), 1005. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12081005
  33. Turysbekova, G., Altynbek, A., Bektay, Y., Shiderin, B., & Bektayev, M. (2020). Technology of bacterial oxidation of iron in underground uranium borehole leaching. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 12(03). https://doi.org/10.31838/ijpr/2020.12.03.423
  34. Shiderin, B., Altynbek, A., Bektay, Y., Turysbekova, G., Mukanov, E., Kalmukambetov, A., Bektayev, M., & Duisenbay, A. (2022). Industrial use of bacterial iron oxidation in-situ recovery of uranium. Proceedings of the 27th International Mining Congress and Exhibition of Turkey, 1-8.
  35. Shiderin, B., Bektay, Y., Turysbekova, G., & Altynbek, A. D. (2020). Uranium-bacteria interaction (overview). International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management, 395-400. https://doi.org/10.5593/sgem2020/1.2/s03.051
  36. Sydykanov, M., Bektay, Y., Turysbekova, G. S., Baibatsha, A. B., & Yalcin, G. (2022). Application of bioleaching of copper flotation tailings. International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management, 22(4.2), 25-30. https://doi.org/10.5593/sgem2022V/4.2/s18.03
  37. Koizhanova, A., Kenzhaliyev, B., Surkova, T., Yerdenova, M., Magomedov, D., Bakrayeva, A., & Kaumetova, D. (2026). Copper leaching from copper-bearing ore after pretreatment with a microbial consortium of bacteria and filamentous fungi. Mining of Mineral Deposits, 20(2), 148-156. https://doi.org/10.33271/mining20.02.148
  38. Li, H., Muhammad, A.M., & Tang, Zh. (2024). Variation of groundwater and mineral composition of in situ leaching uranium in Bayanwula mining area, China. PLoS ONE, 19, e0303595. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0303595
  39. Ben Simon, R., Thiry, M., Schmitt, J.M., Lagneau, V., Langlais, V., & Belières, M. (2014). Kinetic reactive transport modelling of column tests for uranium in situ recovery (ISR) mining. Applied Geochemistry, 51, 116-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2014.09.014
  40. Lagneau, V., Regnault, O., & Descostes, M. (2019). Industrial deployment of reactive transport simulation: An application to uranium in situ recovery. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, 85(1), 499-528. https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2019.85.16
  41. Wang, Q., Liang, X., Wang, W., Niu, Q., Zhuo, J., Su, X., Zhou, G., Zhao, L., Li, P., Yuan, W., Chang, J., Ji, Z., & Su, A. (2022). Mineral composition and full-scale pore structure of Qianjiadian sandstone-type uranium deposits: Application for in situ leaching mining. Geofluids, 2022, 2860737. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2860737
  42. Su, X., Liu, Z., Yao, Y., & Du, Z. (2020). Petrology, mineralogy, and ore leaching of sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in the Ordos Basin, North China. Ore Geology Reviews, 127, 103768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103768
  43. Zeng, S., Song, J., Sun, B., Wang, F., Ye, W., Shen, Y., & Li, H. (2023). Seepage characteristics of the leaching solution during in situ leaching of uranium. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 55, 566-574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2022.10.014
  44. Yin, S., Yang, X., Chen, W., Wang, L., & Chen, X. (2023). Permeability characteristics of sandstone-type uranium deposits under different temperature and confining pressure. Journal of Central South University, 30, 2302-2312. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-023-5380-4
  45. Wang, W., Liang, X., Niu, Q., Wang, Q., Zhuo, J., Su, X., Zhou, G., Zhao, L., Yuan, W., Chang, J., Zheng, Y., Pan, J., Wang, Z., & Ji, Z. (2023). Reformability evaluation of blasting-enhanced permeability in in situ leaching mining of low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposits. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 55(8), 2773-2784. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2023.03.034
  46. De Silva, V.R.S., Ranjith, P.G., Perera, M.S.A., Wu, B., & Wanniarachchi, W.A.M. (2018). A low energy rock fragmentation technique for in-situ leaching. Journal of Cleaner Production, 204, 586-606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.08.308
  47. Karami, E., Kuhar, L., Bona, A., & Nikoloski, A.N. (2021). A review of electrokinetic, ultrasonic and solution pulsing methods for mass transfer enhancement in in-situ processing. Minerals Engineering, 170, 107029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2021.107029
  48. Rakishev, B., Kenzhetayev, Z., Shampikova, A., & Toktaruly, B. (2020). Increasing of filtration characteristics of ore bodies in borehole uranium mining. E3S Web of Conferences, 168, 00014. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202016800014
  49. Kuandykov, T., Nauryzbayeva, D., Yelemessov, K, Karmanov, T., Kakimov, U., & Kolga, A. (2020). Development and justification of a hydro-impulse method for increasing ore permeability in conditions of uranium borehole production. News of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Series of Geology and Technical Sciences, 6(444), 126-133. https://doi.org/10.32014/2020.2518-170X.139
  50. Farjana, S.H., Huda, N., Mahmud, M.A.P., & Lang, C. (2018). Comparative life-cycle assessment of uranium extraction processes. Journal of Cleaner Production, 202, 666-683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.08.105
  51. Toktaruly, B., Bayeshov, A., Aben, Y., & Suleimenov, Sh.K. (2022). Effect of process solution saturation with oxygen on uranium in-situ leaching performance. Eurasian Mining, 2, 50-53. https://doi.org/10.17580/em.2022.02.12
  52. Rakishev, B.R., Mataev, M.M., & Kenzhetaev, Z.S. (2019). Analysis of mineralogical composition of sediments in in-situ leach mining of uranium. Mining Informational and Analytical Bulletin, 7, 123-131. https://doi.org/10.25018/0236-1493-2019-07-0-123-131
  53. Collet, A., Regnault, O., Ozhogin, A., Imantayeva, A., & Garnier, L. (2022). Three-dimensional reactive transport simulation of uranium in situ recovery: Large-scale well field applications in Shu Saryssu Basin, Tortkuduk deposit (Kazakhstan). Hydrometallurgy, 211, 105873. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2022.105873
  54. Kurmanseiit, M.B., Tungatarova, M.S., Kaltayev, A., & Royer, J.-J. (2022). Reactive transport modeling during uranium in situ leaching (ISL): Effects of ore composition on mining recovery. Minerals, 12(11), 1402. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12111402
  55. Kurmanseiit, M.B., Tungatarova, M.S., & Royer, J.-J. (2023). Streamline-based reactive transport modeling of uranium mining during in-situ leaching. Hydrometallurgy, 220, 106107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2023.106107
  56. Shen, N., Li, J., Guo, Y., & Li, X. (2020). Thermodynamic modeling of in situ leaching of sandstone-type uranium minerals. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 65, 2017-2031. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jced.9b01088
  57. Kenzhetaev, Z., Togizov, K., Abdraimova, M., & Nurbekova, M. (2022). Selecting the rational parameters for restoring filtration characteristics of ores during borehole mining of uranium deposits. Mining of Mineral Deposits, 16(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.33271/mining16.03.001
  58. Alikulov, Sh.Sh., Ibragimov, R.R., & Khamidov, R.A. (2023). Stimulation of in situ uranium leaching from low permeable ore in treatment by different physical methods. Mining Informational and Analytical Bulletin, 2, 111-126. https://doi.org/10.25018/0236_1493_2023_2_0_111
  59. Yussupov, Kh., Abdissattar, G., Aben, E., Myrzakhmetov, S., Akhmetkanov, D., & Yelzhanov, E. (2025). A novel process for decolmatation of wells during in situ leach mining of uranium. Civil Engineering Journal, 11(4), 1447-1457. https://doi.org/10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-04-011
  60. Kenzhetaev, Zh.S., Togizov, K.S., Omirgali, A.K., Aben, E.Kh., & Zhalikyzy, R. (2023). Intensification of inhibitor-assisted uranium ISL process. Series of Geology and Technical Sciences, 3(459), 108-118. https://doi.org/10.32014/2023.2518-170X.303
  61. Omarov, A., Yussupov, K., Yeluzakh, M., & Akzholova, A. (2026). Development of an innovative combined well regeneration method for in-situ uranium leaching. Geomechanics and Geoengineering, 21(3), 925-950. https://doi.org/10.1080/17486025.2026.2630675
  62. Ratov, B.T., Khomenko, V.L., Kuttybayev, A.E., Togizov, K.S., & Utepov, Z.G. (2024). Innovative drill bit to improve the efficiency of drilling operations at uranium deposits in Kazakhstan. News of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Series of Geology and Technical Sciences, 4(465), 224-236. https://doi.org/10.32014/2024.2518-170X.437
  63. Omarov, A., Yussupov, K., Yeluzakh, M., & Myrzabek, G. (2024). Improvement of maintenance and repair work on technological wells in the conditions of the “North and South Karamurun” deposit, Kazakhstan. Geological Quarterly, 68(2), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.7306/gq.1744
  64. Omarov, A., Yussupov, K., Yeluzakh, M., & Seitmaganbetov, E. (2024). Study of an innovative optimisation method for repair and renewal of production wells in the central section of the Mynkuduk field. Geomechanics and Geoengineering, 20(1), 138-159. https://doi.org/10.1080/17486025.2024.2367445
  65. Mendygaliyev, А.A., Arshamov, Ya.K., Rysbekov, К.B., & Meirambek, G.M. (2025). Forecasting roll-front uranium provinces based on integrated geological and satellite remote sensing data. Eurasian Mining, 18-22. https://doi.org/10.17580/em.2025.01.03
  66. Mataev, M.M., Rakishev, B.R., & Kenzhetaev, G.S. (2017). The impact of ammonium bifluoride complex on colmataging formations during the process of in situ uranium leaching. International Journal of Advanced Research, 5, 147-154. https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/3126
  67. Zheng, F., Teng, Y., Zhai, Y., Hu, J., Dou, J., & Zuo, R. (2023). Geo-environmental models of in-situ leaching sandstone-type uranium deposits in North China: A review and perspective. Water, 15(7), 1244. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15071244
  68. Togizov, K., Kenzhetaev, Z., Temirkhanova, R., Muzapparova, A., Omirgali, A., & Altaibayev, B. (2024). The influence of the physicochemical characteristics of ores on the efficiency of underground well leaching of uranium deposits in Kazakhstan. Minerals, 14(4), 381. https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040381

Лицензия Creative Commons

Copyright © 2026 Dnipro University of Technology

Underground Mining Department

All Rights Reserved.

Journal homepage Authors