Processing technology for carbonate ore from the Argun deposit

Priargun Mining and Chemical Association has been producing uranium in the Streltsov ore field for more than 50 years. The main ore bodies with high content of uranium have been mined out during this period of time, and the uranium content has dropped in ore which is currently extracted. In connection with this, appraisal of the mineral resources and mineral reserves of Priargun MCA has been accomplished. The Argun ore is composed of a few process types—iron silicate and uranium, silicate–uranium–molybdenum, carbonate and uranium, carbonate and molybdenum, carbonate–uranium–molybdenum and rebellious ore (contains zirconium and brannerite). It is required to undertake technology-based rating and certification of the Argun ore. The autoclave leaching technology is found to be higher economically efficient as against the atmospheric leaching technology due to lower operating expenses. From the preliminary studies, four samples of anion-exchange resins are recommended for further testing: A500Y, BM77-14, D299 and Ambersep 920UXL SO4. These ion-exchangers were used to analyze their influence on sorption–desorption of uranium and molybdenum. All these ion exchangers had preserved their sorption capacity in 10 sorption–desorption cycles. Based on the studies into adsorption of uranium and molybdenum from leached slurry at the Argun deposit, the optimal sorbent for extraction and separation of uranium and molybdenum is Ambersep 920UXL SO4. Producibility of natural uranium to meet ASTM C 967-13 standards is analyzed on a laboratory scale. The produced uranium concentrate contains much less impurities than it is stipulated by International Standard Specification ASTM С 967-13. The action chart of processing of carbonate ore from the Argun and Zherlovoe deposits is developed and economically justified.