Field test research on in-situ leaching of uranium from a uranium deposit in Kazakhstan

In order to develop Kazakhstan Zarbak sandstone type uranium deposit industrially, this paper collects detailed geological data, obtains main mining parameters, and carries out field tests of low acid leaching.According to the results of leaching test, the key parameters affecting the cost such as leaching cycle and acid consumption are obtained.The new in-situ leaching mine processes in recent years, such as the determinant well type, the open hole construction process using bentonite water stop, the advanced acidification mode, and the ammonium hydrogen fluoride hole washing are used in the field test.Under the condition that the average thickness and grade of the ore body are not dominant, the following results are obtained:the deposit is suitable for the acid in-situ leaching uranium mining process.The average uranium concentration of the leaching solution collection sample is 87.7 mg/L, and the peak uranium concentration can reach 150.0 mg/L, The average single hole liquid extraction volume is 3.5 m³/h, and the average single hole liquid injection volume is 1.3 m³/h.This test has achieved good leaching effect and economic benefits, which provides a reliable basis for the subsequent industrial development of the deposit.