OREANDA-NEWS. Open-pit mining of uranium at the quarry completed in early 1990s since in those times, development of ore with low metal content was considered unviable. A technology for development of residual reserves has been elaborated by experts from the JSC PIMCU Central Research and Development Laboratory (Central R&D Lab) together with scientists from the Trans-Baikal State University, taking into account particular features of the deposit.

"Over the medium term, low-cost methods of in-situ and heap leaching will make it possible to obtain approximately 100 tons of uranium," explains Aleksandr Morozov, Head of the Central R&D Lab.

A project for final extraction of reserves from the bottom of the Tulukui quarry has already been created. The first phase of its implementation will involve the organization of block in-situ leaching. For this end, activities to clear out underground workings of the 5th level of Shaft 6R have been started. Thereafter, a pump station and other equipment, required to support the process flow, will be installed.

Simultaneously, JSC PIMCU is elaborating efficient process flow schemes and parameters for preparation of blocks to block in-situ leaching of heavy-pitching and flat-lying ore bodies, which it is unviable to mine by a traditional technology.

After final extraction of reserves from the bottom, the Tulukui quarry will be filled with low-grade ore to be developed by the heap leach technology. As the quarry is being filled, residual reserves of its edges will be subject to development.