Column leaching test of the leaching rule of uranium mineral in different depth of the heap

In order to study the leaching rule of uranium mineral in different depth of the heap, a group of uranium ore sample with the particle size of 1∼9 mm was prepared, then we got a column leaching test with a home-made testing apparatus. Experimental results show that, the pH of the leaching solution in different depth diminished by time, finally, fluctuating between 1.0∼2.0, the deeper the depth, the greater the pH; the oxidation potential of the leaching solution in different depth increased by time, finally, kept it at about 445 mV, the deeper the depth, the greater the oxidation potential; the deeper the depth, the delay of the peaks of the uranium ion concentration of the leaching solution occurred; the leaching rate of the uranium ore in deep was lower than the shallow, the gap between ore horizon 0∼50 cm and 250∼300 cm reached 20%. (authors)