AP19575556 — Development of an innovative technology for the intensification of underground uranium leaching using polymer and binder components in conditions of borehole uranium mining

Purpose: The aim of the work is to increase the efficiency of underground borehole leaching of uranium ores, based on the development of an innovative technology for influencing the near-filter zone of wells using polymer and binder components.

Relevance: The relevance of the project lies in the need to increase the efficiency of underground borehole leaching of uranium ores in conditions of increasingly complex mining and geological characteristics of deposits. Existing technologies often face problems with sedimentation in the filter zone of wells, which reduces productivity and increases operating costs. The development of innovative solutions, including the use of polymer and binder components, aims to eliminate these disadvantages and ensure stable and cost-effective uranium mining. Given the growing demand for nuclear fuel and the sustainable development of nuclear energy, the project has high scientific and practical significance for the uranium mining industry in Kazakhstan.

Scientific supervisor: Doctor of Ph.D., Togizov Kuanysh

Results obtained: Within the research project, the mineralogical and granulometric characteristics of ores and precipitates from uranium deposits in the Syrdarya and Shu-Sarysu depressions were investigated. Microscopic studies were conducted to determine the structure of precipitate-forming components and to justify the selection of chemical reagents. Laboratory experiments enabled the identification of effective compositions of polymer and acid reagents for the destruction and prevention of clogging. A rotary device and a technological scheme for well decolmation were developed, ensuring reagent delivery and the removal of sand plugs. Field tests demonstrated the restoration of filtration properties and an increase in well productivity up to 3.4–4.4 m³/h. Scientific and methodological guidelines for the preparation and application of decolmating solutions were developed, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

List of publications with links to them

1. Kenzhetaev Zh.S., Togizov K.S., Omirgali A.K., Aben E.Kh., Zhalikyzy R. Intensification of inhibitor-assisted uranium ISL process // Series of Geology and Technical Sciences. – 2023. – Vol. 3 (No. 459). – Pp. 108–118. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.32014/2023.2518-170x.303
2. Kenzhetaev Z., Togizov K., Zhapabayev K., Issayeva L., Kisseyeva S. Combined method of intensification of borehole uranium mining in ores with low filtration characteristics // Trudy universiteta. – 2023. – No. 3. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.52209/1609-1825_2023_3_172
3. Kenzhetaev Z., Togizov K., Zhapabayev K., Zhangirkhanova A., Muzapparova A. Selection of rational parameters of repair and restoration work at the well of uranium ore extraction // Trudy universiteta. – 2023. – No. 4. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.52209/1609-1825_2023_4_109
4. Togizov K., Kenzhetaev Z., Temirkhanova R., Muzapparova A., Omirgali A., Altaibayev B. The influence of the physicochemical characteristics of ores on the efficiency of underground well leaching of uranium deposits in Kazakhstan // Minerals. – 2024. – Vol. 14, No. 4. – Article 381. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040381
5. Togizov K., Kenzhetaev Z., Muzapparova A., Bainiyazov S., Raushanbek D., Yaremkiv Y. Selection of optimal parameters for chemical well treatment during in situ leaching of uranium ores // Minerals. – 2025. – Vol. 15, No. 8. – Article 811. – Pp. 1–17. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/min15080811
6. Kenzhetaev Zh.S., Togizov K.S., Omirgali A.K., Aben E.Kh., Zhalikyzy R. Многофункциональный состав для химической обработки скважин и способ его применения // Патент на изобретение №37377. – 20.06.2025.