Methods for intensification of borehole uranium mining at the fields with low filtration characteristics of ores

Zhiger Kenzhetaev,Kuanysh Togizov,Marzhan Nurbekova,Bakytzhan Toktaruly,Moldir Abdraimova

doi:10.33271/mining15.03.095

Abstract

Purpose. Improving the efficiency of borehole uranium mining and the selection of special decolmating solutions to improve the filtration characteristics of the seam due to effective destruction, as well as by preventing the sedimentation in the productive horizon, depending on the mineralogical composition and structure of sediment-forming materials. Methods. The advantages and disadvantages of the main methods used for improving the filtration characteristics of the productive horizon, when mining the uranium deposits by the borehole method, have been studied. Samples of sedimentation from the productive horizon are taken at the uranium deposit of the Shu-Syrasu depression. The quantitative and qualitative parameters, as well as the peculiarities of the mineral compositions have been determined by the X-ray phase method. A methodology has been developed and laboratory experiments have been conducted on the treatment of sedimentation samples by the drop method using various compositions of selected decolmating solutions. The microscopic method is used to determine the structure and peculiarities of sedimentation before and after treatment with various decolmating solutions. Findings. The effectiveness of the main methods used to improve the filtration characteristics of seams in the uranium deposits, mined by the borehole method, has been determined. The structure and composition of sedimentation, which causes a decrease in the filtration characteristics of the productive horizon, have been determined. To destroy and prevent the sedimentation in the productive horizon, an effective composition of a special decolmating solution using ammonium hydrogen fluoride with the addition of sulphuric acid and surfactants has been selected. An effective method for increasing the filtration characteristics of the productive horizon with the use of special decolmating solutions has been developed and scientifically substantiated. Originality. The use of special decolmating solutions based on ammonium hydrogen fluoride with the addition of sulphuric acid and surfactants according to the developed methodology allows to effectively destroy and prevent sedimentation in the productive horizon of borehole uranium ore mining. Practical implications. The use of the developed decolmating solution and a special methodology for the intensification of borehole uranium mining can reduce the operating costs of its production. This increases the ecological and industrial safety of the work to intensify the leaching of uranium ores.

Highlights

Introduction prevent climate changeInternational Energy Agency (IEA)Uranium is the most representative element of the actinide series and is of fundamental importance in the nuclear fuel cycle
After performing laboratory experiments with samples treated by the drop method with decolmating solutions of various compositions, sedimentations are dried at room temperature to conduct surface studies on a scanning electron microscope
The performed quantitative and qualitative research on the sedimentation composition from the deposit of the ShuSyrasu depression indicates that carbonate minerals 27 and 10% dolomite and ankerite, respectively, constitute the bulk of the sample

Summary

Introduction

Introduction prevent climate changeInternational Energy Agency (IEA)Uranium is the most representative element of the actinide series and is of fundamental importance in the nuclear fuel cycle. It is expected that the nuclear energy market will grow substantially over the 20 years, for example, in the United States alone, according to forecasts, by 2030 it will grow by 50%, and global electrical energy consumption, according to the Ministry of Energy, will double by 2030 [1]. [3]In combination with the expected growth in nuclear power, uranium demand will rise sharply in the future [4]. Kazakhstan has 14% of the world’s proven uranium reserves, 70% of which are suitable for borehole mining, and ranks second after Australia (Fig. 1). Borehole mining of uranium ores in the Republic of Kazakhstan is conducted at 26 sites united in 13 uranium mining companies. The total volume of natural uranium production is more than 40% of the global volume (Fig. 2)

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