Abstract

Preliminary mineralogic studies via SEM of four sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in Wyoming and Nebraska have revealed subtle mineralogic differences that may affect the success of in-situ carbonate leach mining.

Mineralogic conditions of interest to the in-situ miner include uranium speciation, associated mineralogy, and uranium accessibility. Thin sections of core samples from operating mines, exploration projects, and pre- and post-carbonate leach testing have provided a wide range of ore body conditions examined in this ongoing study.

To date, analyses of cores from active mine sites have provided insight into areas of poor uranium recovery, due to petrologic and mineralogic constraints. Studies of exploration targets, and subsequent in-house leach testing, have been used to characterize uranium-lixiviant-sandstone host interactions. In addition to current research, continued studies may include viability studies of ore body mineability to refinement of restoration processes.