Techniques for heap and in situ leach simulation on uranium ores

Bureau of Mines sponsored research has developed techniques for simulation of heap and in situ leaching of uranium ores. The heap leach technique uses 2 ft dia (60.9 cm) columns with bed depths ranging from 8 ft to 18 ft (2.44 m to 5.49 m). Uranium ores as coarse as minus 4 in (101.6 mm) can be treated. The simulation technique for in situ leaching uses 4 in dia by 12 ft long (101.6 mm by 3.66 m) horizontal columns. The technique was developed to determine the effect of leaching variables such as solution composition on the bed permeability, uranium recovery, and post-leach aquifer restoration. References to detailed experimental data developed with these systems are included. (author). 9 refs, figs, 1 tab