IAEA 2016 In Situ Leach Uranium Mining - An Overview of Operations -

Uranium (Nuclear Minerals) / Exploration, Mining, Marketing, & Acquisitions

Date posted: 12/09/16

In situ leach (ISL) mining, also called in situ recovery (ISR) mining (these terms are considered to be synonymous in this publication), has become a standard uranium mining production method. In this IAEA report, ISL mining refers to a special form of solution mining applied to ore deposits in sedimentary, saturated aquifers by using injection and extraction wells from the surface. This report does not include detailed consideration of any kind of leaching in unsaturated formations or of block leaching in underground mine works.\n\nIn the past, ISL was first developed in south Texas, and then applied elsewhere in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the U.S.(Wyoming, etc), and Uzbekistan. Recently, it has been used in Australia, China, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, the U.S. and Uzbekistan, and with small operations or experiments elsewhere.\n \nThis publication shows how ISL experience around the world can be used to direct the development of ISL uranium mining activities, with an emphasis on the economics of the process, taking into account environmental considerations including responsible mine closure. The definition of ISL and associated terms, and the definition of resources and reserves with respect to different schemes are described. The conditions of application and recovery techniques (acid and alkaline leach mining and ion exchange and solvent exchange recovery) are discussed, along with groundwater remediation and\nabove ground decommissioning.\n\nA review of the developments in ISL uranium production is presented in the annexes (annexes to this publication are available on the companion CD-ROM). This report provides Member States and interested parties with information on how to design and efficiently and safely regulate current and future projects, with a view to maximizing economic performance and minimizing negative environmental impact. Many references are cited that can direct readers to additional information.