On the matter of composition and technological properties of uranium ores of the Semizbai deposit (North Kazakhstan)

Abstract

Currently, uranium production occupies a decisive place in the world energy industry. In Kazakhstan, to meet the demand for uranium, hydrogenous deposits with technologically and economically favorable natural indicators are being developed, including the large Semizbai deposit. The deposit by genesis belongs to the hydrothermal-hydrogenous polygenic type in terrigenous sandy-clayey deposits. As a result of geological studies, the stratification of the ore-bearing deposits of the Semizbai suite was established: the lower and upper ore-bearing sub suites, the geometrization of the deposit was performed, and the morphology, number, and size of ore bodies were identified. Most of the balance reserves of the Semizbai deposit are concentrated in large and medium ore bodies. Analytical work and description of thin sections and polished sections under a microscope determined the material composition, textures, and structures of uranium ores, the main ore minerals, and their distribution in ores. When carrying out field and laboratory work, geological indicators of the deposit were obtained to select the technology for extracting ores. To select and justify the field development technology, special technological studies were carried out in the experimental area. Based on the geological indicators of uranium ores for the Semizbay deposit, well-in-situ leaching was chosen as the most rational for hydrogenous deposits. The characteristic of associated useful components of uranium ores is given, and the increased content of selenium, germanium, and scandium in them is established. The obtained research results can serve as a basis for improving the technology used for mining uranium ores and extracting associated components from them.