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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Leaching of uranium ore in situ

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6491293
This is a method of leaching uranium ore from an underground deposit situated below the water table regardless of the depth of the deposit. The method involves the injection of a cold acidic solution into direct contact with the underground deposit in situ and influencing the path of the injected fluid by the introduction of a low- pressure gradient which is created by the removal of fluid at a centrally located recovery well. Location and spacing of the injection and recovery wells are based on permeability, porosity, and water-bearing characteristics of the formation as revealed by core sample studies. After an island of high pressure has been created by the injection of the acidic solution, recovery is begun from the recovery well at a rate equal to the combined inflow volume of the injection wells. Dilution of the leaching solution with reservoir water is thus prevented. (6 claims)
Assignee:
TUL; EDB-81-078499
Patent Number(s):
US 3309140
OSTI ID:
6491293
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English