ISR Technology
About ISR method
In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mining, also referred to as In-Situ Leaching (ISL), is a highly developed mining technique in which uranium is mobilized from the permeable sandstone formations using either industrial oxygen or a very low concentration of acid or alkaline solution.
Leaching solutions are circulated through the ore bearing formation by a system of patterned boreholes. Uranium minerals are dissolved and uranium bearing solution is pumped out to the surface for further processing to recover uranium.
Once the uranium is fully recovered, the quality of the remaining groundwater is restored to a baseline standard determined as part of an environmental impact assessment and approval before the start of the operation. Upon decommissioning, wells are sealed or capped, process facilities removed, and the land can then revert to its previous uses.
Progressive uranium mining technology
with a closed cycle
ISR is the main uranium mining method since 2009
ISR share in the global production has increased from 20% in 2005 to 60% in 2022
In 2022 ISR mining in Kazakhstan accounted 43% of the global mining volume, while 5 other ISR-producing counties accounted 17% of the world's total
Major uranium-mining countries use ISR: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Australia, China and USA
ISR STEPS
STEP 1: INJECTION
A leaching solution is injected through the well into the sandstone formation to dissolve the uranium.
STEP 2: COLLECTION
The uranium-bearing solution is transported to the surface for processing. Monitoring wells around each zone will detect any solution escaping outside the mining area.
STEP 3: EXTRACTION
The uranium-bearing solution is concentrated and the final product (yellowcake) is extracted.
ADVANTAGES OF ISR
In-Situ Recovery is the most environmentally friendly method of mining
The ISR well-field area is surrounded by many strategically placed monitoring wells through which potential leakage is monitored, not only in the aquifer where mining is taking place but also in the upper aquifer and the lower aquifer.
24 hour control and access to real-time geotechnical 3D model allows to observe all underground activities.
Well-designed safety protocols and ongoing radioecological assessments ensure a high level of safety for production sites and adjacent areas.
All operations comply with national and international ESG requirements.
ISR is more environmentally friendly in comparison to conventional open-pit and underground mining due to:
ASK A QUESTION
We are open to dialogue and continue consultations with all interested and affected parties to clarify any issues related to the project to achieve mutual understanding.
