Khiagda JSC: Landmarks and achievements

Abstract

The systematic geological exploration launched in the area of the Amalat Plateau of basalts in the Baunt Evenki Region of Buryatia in 1980 resulted in the discovery of Khiagda deposit. Such exogenous epigene (hydrogenous) paleovalley-type deposits in small artesian basins are widely spread on different continents and mostly are mineable using the in-situ leaching (ISL) technology. However, the applicability of ISL to Khiagda deposit raised doubts those days as shallow permafrost groundwater contained in aquiferous ore-bearing strata had very low temperatures (2–4 °C). Some experts at uranium mining technology believed dilution of uranium minerals in sulfuric acid solutions would run extremely slow under such temperatures, and the uranium production by ISL would be inefficient therefore. In the course of commercial-scale development of Khiagda ore field from 2009 up to the present moment, all infrastructure required has been created, including construction of power transmission lines and electric substations, road making, mapping for preparing leaching solutions and collecting pregnant solutions, laying of long-haul pipelines for the continuous circulation of process solutions between the operating sites of ISL, pregnant solution processing plants and local adsorption plants. Khiagda JSC pays particular attention to ESG factors, recognizes the impact the mining activities exert on the environment, life of local communities and on the regional social and economic development, undertakes activities aimed to mitigate such impacts, and strives to ensure long-term and sustainable progression.The authors appreciate participation of Khaigda’s member D. V. Dyshlyuk and Atomredmetzoloto’s members V. G. Loginova and I. N. Solodov in this article preparation.