How can we increase residual uranium extraction from previously worked-out blocks without significant cost? What factors influence the choice of solutions?

One of the most important factors in the formation of residual uranium reserves in worked-out blocks is the presence of clay minerals in the ore horizon. In this regard, the authors of the article published in the journal "Mining Science and Technology" conducted a number of studies on the adverse and positive effects of clay minerals on ISL process. Water permeability and relatively good filtration (not less than 0.5–1 m/day) of ores and rocks of a productive horizon (aquifer) is the most important hydrogeological factors affecting the performance of uranium ISL. The second most important hydrogeological factor is the lack of fluid communication between the productive aquifer and nonproductive aquifers, i.e., the obligatory presence of aquicludes.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Petukhov O.F., Khalimov I.U., Istomin V.P., Karimov N.М. The effect of clay minerals on in-situ leaching of uranium. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2023;8(1):39-46. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2022-10-20

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We present the articles of the first issue of scientific journal "Mining Science and Technology” (Russia) for 2025:

Scientists have developed a new method for producing adsorbents to extract heavy metals from mining wastewater. Mining and metallurgical operations generate large volumes of liquid waste containing valuable components. Processing copper-zinc ores produces metal-laden effluents with a wide range of accompanying elements, complicating treatment due to low concentrations of individual components and pH fluctuations. Heavy metals such as Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Fe²⁺ are highly toxic, non-biodegradable, and can accumulate in living organisms, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Researchers proposed using zeolites based on kaolin and bentonite as an efficient alternative to chemical precipitation. These adsorbents exhibit high ion-exchange capacity, are easily regenerated, and release non-toxic Na⁺ cations into the environment. The novelty of the method lies in using waste Al₂O₃–NaAlO₂ suspension to adjust the composition of the alkaline alloy during zeolite synthesis, ensuring a specific crystalline structure. The technology involves alkaline fusion of bentonite or kaolin with sodium hydroxide, followed by dissolving the alloy in water, filtration, and hydrothermal crystallization. Optimized synthesis conditions achieved a metal recovery rate of 95% from model solutions with initial concentrations of 150 mg/L Cu²⁺, 180 mg/L Zn²⁺, and 125 mg/L Fe²⁺. The resulting zeolite adsorbents can be used to treat metal-contaminated water in closed-loop water systems, reducing environmental impact and conserving resources.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Mirzaeva E.N., Isaeva N.F., Yalgashev E.Ya., Turdiyeva D.P., Boymonov R.M. Preparation of adsorbents for the extraction of heavy metals from mining wastewater. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2025;10(1):45-55. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2024-02-224

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