Methods for intensification of borehole uranium mining at the fields with low filtration characteristics of ores

Abstract

Purpose. Improving the efficiency of borehole uranium mining and the selection of special decolmating solutions to improve the filtration characteristics of the seam due to effective destruction, as well as by preventing the sedimentation in the productive horizon, depending on the mineralogical composition and structure of sediment-forming materials. Methods. The advantages and disadvantages of the main methods used for improving the filtration characteristics of the productive horizon, when mining the uranium deposits by the borehole method, have been studied. Samples of sedimentation from the productive horizon are taken at the uranium deposit of the Shu-Syrasu depression. The quantitative and qualitative parameters, as well as the peculiarities of the mineral compositions have been determined by the X-ray phase method. A methodology has been developed and laboratory experiments have been conducted on the treatment of sedimentation samples by the drop method using various compositions of selected decolmating solutions. The microscopic method is used to determine the structure and peculiarities of sedimentation before and after treatment with various decolmating solutions. Findings. The effectiveness of the main methods used to improve the filtration characteristics of seams in the uranium deposits, mined by the borehole method, has been determined. The structure and composition of sedimentation, which causes a decrease in the filtration characteristics of the productive horizon, have been determined. To destroy and prevent the sedimentation in the productive horizon, an effective composition of a special decolmating solution using ammonium hydrogen fluoride with the addition of sulphuric acid and surfactants has been selected. An effective method for increasing the filtration characteristics of the productive horizon with the use of special decolmating solutions has been developed and scientifically substantiated. Originality. The use of special decolmating solutions based on ammonium hydrogen fluoride with the addition of sulphuric acid and surfactants according to the developed methodology allows to effectively destroy and prevent sedimentation in the productive horizon of borehole uranium ore mining. Practical implications. The use of the developed decolmating solution and a special methodology for the intensification of borehole uranium mining can reduce the operating costs of its production. This increases the ecological and industrial safety of the work to intensify the leaching of uranium ores.