In situ leach uranium mining in the Russian Federation (status and prospects)

ISL uranium mining is performed in Russia on two deposits, the Dalmatovskoe and Khiagda deposits. Each of them has its own specifics, which require individual mining approaches. Dalmatovskoe deposit is located in the Transural region. Deposit is of basal channel (paleo-valley) type, and occurs at a depth of 450-600 m. Depth of mineralization is the main mining difficulty, which affects development costs. Khiagda deposit is located within the Republic of Buryatiya. Mineralization occurs at a depth of 160 to 180 m. Specific features of the deposit, which may influence mining are: presence of volcanic rocks on top of mineralized formation, low temperature (2-4 deg. C) and static levels of ground-waters, zone of permafrost within the deposit area. Different measures are performed by research and design organizations to improve ISL mining in these specific conditions: reduction of drilling costs, of acid and energy consumption, study of uranium leaching process at low temperature, process of pregnant solutions. Environmental issues, including aquifer restoration, are studied through geological and hydro-geological modelling of the deposits, and the development of new logging tools. (author)