AP23490633 – Extraction of associated valuable components from process solutions in hydrometallurgical production

Objective of the project – Development of an effective technology for the integrated extraction of valuable associated components, such as selenium, germanium, vanadium and rare earth metals from process solutions of hydrometallurgical production with low environmental impact.

Relevance: The project aims to diversify production by extracting valuable associated components (VAC) from hydrometallurgical process solutions while addressing environmental issues related to waste management. Uranium in-situ leaching (ISL) solutions are known to contain VAC such as selenium, vanadium, scandium, germanium, and rare earth metals. The project focuses on developing technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable methods for the integrated extraction of these components using existing infrastructure. This approach will improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The project is interdisciplinary, combining chemical, hydrometallurgical, environmental, and economic methods.

Scientific supervisor: Doctor of technical sciences, Professor, Bishimbaeva Gauhar Kozykeevna

Expected and achieved results: An analysis and review of modern technologies for the selective extraction of associated valuable components (AVCs) from process solutions was conducted. The AVC content in uranium PSV solutions and ion-exchange resins was monitored through sampling and analysis over a period of 6 months. Core material was examined, and a comprehensive chemical and mineralogical analysis of the ore was conducted to determine the content of selenium, vanadium, germanium, rare earth elements, and rare metals. New data on the behavior of PCCs under uranium PSW conditions were obtained. Effective sorption materials were selected considering the nature of individual elements; the possibility of extracting selenium and germanium was investigated for the first time. The kinetics and mechanism of PCC sorption on commercial ion-exchange resins in static and dynamic modes were studied. Ten grades of ion exchange resins were investigated, and the most effective ones were identified, including those for specific types of rare earth elements. Optimal sorption and desorption parameters were established, as well as the compositions of leaching solutions for maximum extraction of rare earth elements. Mineralogical and physicochemical studies confirmed the potential of processing materials from depleted wells for the extraction of rare earth elements. Based on the results of this work, two articles were published in Web of Science journals, and a patent application was filed.