Uranium deposits of Mongolia, their exploration and mine development

Baldorj Baatartsogt,Batbold Munkhtur,Dorjyunden Altankhuyag

doi:10.5564/mgs.v0i49.1227

Abstract

Most of the known uranium deposits in Mongolia are related to volcano-tectonic structures of the Late Mesozoic and permeable sandstone aquifers of terrigenous sedimentary rocks in Late Mesozoic-Cenozoic basins. A young uranium deposit has been recently discovered at the surface in Quaternary alluvial sediments. Uranium deposits are classified here according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) classification scheme. Beside of supergene and hydrothermal uranium discoveries, uranium mineralization can also be found in the Lower Cretaceous lignite seams, in Mesozoic alkaline intrusive rock related REE, Th, U enriched mineral systems and in metasomatic rocks, as well as in migmatites and pegmatites localized in Precambrian metamorphic rocks. Currently, no uranium can be produced in Mongolian facilities except pilot testing being done first. A pilot test was carried out at the Khairhan and Kharaat deposits in Mongolia and these experiments have demonstrated the ore to be amenable to acid leach (sulphuric acid) with the addition of an oxidizing agent. These tests confirmed that hydraulic control can be maintained and that the uranium solubilization and mobilization can be controlled. The results of the test were encouraging, with the well production rate, uranium concentration in produced solutions, chemical usage, and estimated uranium recovery all within ranges expected for normal commercial operations. There are a number of Mongolian uranium deposits are in the stage of mine development. The Government of Mongolia has approved the agreement of mine development of the Zuuvch ovoo and Dulaan uul deposits. Pilot testing on these deposits is underway and uranium will be extracted by in-situ leaching soon.

Highlights

The Parliament of Mongolia endorsed the State policy on Use and Exploitation of Radioactive Minerals and Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy in 2009 and subsequently adopted Nuclear Energy Law in the same year.The Nuclear Energy Law provides the government the right to take ownership without payment of not less than 51% of the shares of a project or joint venture if the uranium mineralization was discovered by State funded exploration, and not less than 34% if StateAltankhuyag et al Mongolian Geoscientist 49 (2019) 50-57 funding was not used to find the mineralization
The Nuclear Energy Commission (NEC) is responsible for coordination and formulation of all activities embedded in the State policy, including development of science and technology, human resources development, exploitation of radioactive minerals and nuclear energy applications, radiation protection and nuclear safety, and promotion of the nuclear energy field within the territory of Mongolia, as well as implementation of international treaties and conventions on nuclear issues
The Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority (MRPAM) under Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry is responsible for exploration and mining licensing of radioactive minerals, whereas, the General Agency for Specialized Inspection bears the responsibility to provide for the government administrative inspection services in the country

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The Parliament of Mongolia endorsed the State policy on Use and Exploitation of Radioactive Minerals and Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy in 2009 and subsequently adopted Nuclear Energy Law in the same year. The NEC issues licenses on nuclear material issues and nuclear facilities It adopts and endorses general nuclear and radiation safety regulations and rules on exploitation of radioactive minerals, radiation applications and nuclear energy, stipulated in Nuclear Energy Law (Chadraabal and Manlaijav, 2017). Mongolia is focusing on the development of its projects that will lead the country to the global uranium market in near future To achieve this goal, the government is seeking to resolve challenges such as the public perception on nuclear energy, human resources development and infrastructure. The government of Mongolia established MonAtom LLC in 2009 as the national operator of Mongolia for all uranium mining activities, including export and trade of uranium production

GEOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF URANIUM DEPOSITS

Preparatory Work for the Uranium Exploitation

Findings

CONCLUSIONS