MODELING AND STUDY OF THE URANIUM LEACHING PROCESS

This study presents the development of a simulation model for the in-situ leaching (ISL) process of uranium, incorporating the complex kinetics of the dissolution of both tetravalent and hexavalent uranium compounds, as well as the interaction of the leaching solution with the ore-bearing host rock. To determine the reaction rate constants, experimental data were obtained from a flow-through leaching setup using a representative ore sample. Analysis of the resulting uranium extraction curves enabled the identification of the rate constants for the key chemical reactions between the ore constituents and the leaching reagent. These parameters were subsequently used as input for numerical simulations aimed at predicting the temporal dynamics of uranium recovery. The model was validated against field data collected from the Budenovskoye uranium deposit. The comparison between simulated and experimental extraction curves demonstrated strong agreement, thereby confirming the robustness and reliability of the model. The results underscore the model’s potential for practical application in forecasting and optimizing the performance of in-situ leaching operations for uranium recovery.

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