Estimate of hydrodynamic parameters of in-situ leaching technology

The article describes the main patterns of variation in production of in-situ leach blocks. The influence of geological and hydrogeological parameters on mudding is shown, and the procedures of obtaining geotechnical parameters for engineering design of in-situ leaching modes are presented. The pilot studies into the forced-and-free flow and free flow seepage in operating blocks with different physicochemical and permeation properties are reported. It is found that rate of decrease in productivity of an operating block increases with time. The productivity decrease rate in blocks is analyzed versus flow rates of solutions in well bore zones. Depending on flow conditions of solutions in ore strata, the values of Kp in weakly permeable rocks, calculated from experimental data with regard to operational deficiency of pressure systems in ore access, are different. The leach blocks composed of ore strata having contrast physical and mechanical properties and permeability were subjected to free flow, forcedand-free flow and forced flow modes of seepage. The article ends with generalization of data obtained by the authors in pilot studies and laboratory tests. The recommended practices on improvement of working capacities in in-situ leach blocks and sites with regard to geotechnical parameters and design values of the blocks are given.

Vilmis A. L., Markelov S. V., Lukonina O. A., Nekoz K. S. Estimate of hydrodynamic parameters of in-situ leaching technology. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2021;(3-1):299—306. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2021_31_0_299.

Vilmis A. L.¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), associate Professor of department geotechnological methods and physical processes of mining operations;
Markelov S. V.¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Professor of department geotechnological methods and physical processes of mining operations;
Lukonina O. A.¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), associate professor, associate professor of department geotechnological methods and physical processes of mining operations;
Nekoz K. S.¹, post-graduate student of department geotechnological methods and physical processes of mining operations;
¹ Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting, Moscow, Russia.

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