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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#inenglish #MST #uranium #insituleaching #ISL #clay #clayminerals #filtration #diffusioncoefficient #permeability #waterpermeability #sorption #montmorillonite #kaolinite #aquiclude #nitrateions #cationexchangecapacity #CEC #bentonite #ore #horizon #orehorizon #uraniumreserves #residualuraniumreserves #hydrogeologicalfactors #sulfatesolutions #bicarbonatesolutions #staticuraniumexchangecapacity #colloidalspecies #filtrationcoefficient #aquiclude #protectiveaquiclude #uraniumsorption #clayswelling #permeability #sands #sandstone #sandstonetypedeposits #uraniumextraction #claycontent #uraniumlosses #clayaquicludeprotectiveaction #ore

Can we extract gold from old mining waste? New research reveals potential

A new study of tailings from Tanzania's Golden Pride Project proves that even low-grade ores (just 0.72 g/t Au) can become profitable thanks to modern technology! Scientists analyzed 1.4 million tons of old waste deposits — long considered worthless — and found they could now be economically viable to process.

Key findings:
✔️ Average gold content: 0.72 g/t, with 74% of the gold concentrated in the fine –75 µm fraction after grinding.
✔️ Dominant minerals: quartz, muscovite, and kaolinite—typical of gold-quartz ore types.
✔️ Minimal harmful impurities (copper <0.05%, sulfur <0.5%), making extraction easier.

How can it be processed?
🔹 Heap leaching — the most cost-effective method for such ores. Similar deposits (e.g., Russia's Mayskoe) achieve 70–80% gold recovery.
🔹 For finer fractions, carbon-in-pulp (CIP) with grinding and classification works best.

Why does this matter now?
With rising gold prices and advancing tech, yesterday’s waste could become tomorrow’s gold source — boosting profits while reducing environmental impact.

For more information, see the article:

📌 Shirima J., Wikedzi A., Rasskazova A.V. Investigation of old waste dump composition of lean gold-bearing ores from the Golden Pride Project (GPP) mining operation in Nzega district, Tanzania. Mining Science and Technology (Russia). 2024;9(1):5-11. https://doi.org/10.17073/2500-0632-2023-07-130

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#Inenglish #MST #Gold #TailingsReprocessing #GoldenPride #HeapLeaching #CarbonInPulp #Mining #Mineralogy #GoldMining #LowGradeOre #Technology #Economics #Tanzania #Research #XRD #XRF #75micron #Kaolinite #Quartz #Muscovite #Sustainability