5-2025

CONTENTS # 5/2025

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_04

УДК 553.495(100+470)

Boytsov A.V. (Techsnabexport)

STATUS AND PROSPECTS OF GLOBAL URANIUM RESOURCES AND PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT

Global uranium production in 2024 was around 60,000 tonnes, up 27 % from 2021. More than a half of uranium is produced by the in situ leaching method. It is necessary to double uranium production by 2040 to meet rapidly growing requirements of global nuclear industry. Global uranium resources are around 8 million tonnes and sufficient to meet future long-term demand of global nuclear fuel cycle for the next 50 years. Low cost resources, which are the basis for current production planning by mining companies, are steadily decrease and account for about a quarter of all resources. Rosatom State Corporation’s enterprises actively develop existing and new promising uranium mining and exploration projects in Russia and abroad. Rosatom State Corporation holds a leading global position in uranium resources and production and is capable to increase uranium production to ensure sustainable long-term supply for its nuclear fuel cycle.

Keywords: uranium, demand, supply, resources, mining, production, Rosatom.

Р. 4-11

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_12

УДК 622.349.5:622.277(470)

Svyatetskiy V.S., Polonyankina S.V., Ermakov A.G. (Rosatom Nedra)

STATUS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE URANIUM MINING INDUSTRY IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

The article examines the state of the Russian Federation’s uranium mineral resource base and the reserves of the Russian uranium mining industry. It also describes the mineral resource base and uranium production at PJSC «PPGKH», JSC «Dalur», JSC «Khiagda», and JSC «EGMK».

Keywords: uranium, uranium production, mineral resource base, uranium mining, heap leaching, cost increase, and production efficiency.

Р. 12-15

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_16

УДК 553.495:553.04(470)

Grebenkin N.A., Prokhorov D.A. (VIMS)

MINERAL RESOURCES OF URANIUM IN RUSSIA, TASKS AND DIRECTIONS OF GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENT

The article provides a brief overview of the mineral resource base (MRB) of uranium in the Russian Federation and outlines its key problems, including those related to domestic uranium mining enterprises. The article also outlines the main directions and objectives of geological exploration for expanding the MRB of uranium in Russia, including work within the existing uranium ore and potential uranium-bearing areas, which have been initiated as part of the federal project «Geology: Reviving the Legend».

Keywords: uranium, mineral resources, developed and prospective areas, and areas for geological exploration.

Р. 16-22

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_22

УДК 553.495+553.062:553.048 (470)

Shumilin M.V. (Rosatom expert)

AUDIT OF REJECTED OBJECTS — A POSSIBLE PATH TO NEW DISCOVERIES

The article examines specific uranium objects where new deposits may be discovered. Including in the Streltsovsky and Olovsky districts. It is shown that the flanks of these objects have not been sufficiently studied and may serve as local promising areas for prospecting. Similar prospects are found in areas insufficiently studied in the Elkon uranium ore district. The uranium resources of the Lastochka ore field in the Far East have not been assessed in depth. The examples given open up a new direction for detailed prospecting, which must be taken into account when planning geological exploration for uranium.

Keywords: uranium exploration, evaluation work on the flanks and at depth, endogenous uranium deposits, underestimated scale of previously identified deposits and ore occurrences.

Р. 22-24

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_25

УДК 553.04:553.065:553.411’495 (571.56)

Molchanov A.V., Belova V.N., Semenova V.V. (Karpinsky Institute)

ALLOCATION OF AREAS WITHIN THE ELKON ORE NODE THAT ARE PROMISING FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF URANIUM AND GOLD DEPOSITS OF THE ELKON AND ROWAN TYPES

The article is based on a report read by the authors at the Conference «Actual Problems of Prospecting Geology» at the N.M. Fedorovsky All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Mineral Resources, November 19–21, 2024. The results of studies of petrographic and geochemical features of hydrothermal and metasomatic formations developed within the Elkon gold and uranium ore node are considered. Based on the petrographic and geochemical study of hydrothermal and metasomatic formations, a map of the metallogenic zoning of the Elkon node on a scale of 1:50,000 has been compiled. The areas that are promising for conducting prospecting operations have been identified. The areas recommended for conducting prospecting operations are Vostochnaya and Shango, covering 35 km2. Within which it is expected to identify objects with P2 resources — more than 235 thousand tons for uranium; up to 300 tons for gold.

Keywords: metallogeny, metasomatites, geochemistry, uranium, gold, forecast, Elkonsky gorst, Yakutia.

Р. 25-40

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_41

УДК 553.411’495:553.04(571.56)

Brook M.L., Sarychev G.A., Trubakov Yu.M., Koltsov V.Yu., Zhuravlev V.G., Myshletsov A.I., Krylova O.K. (JSC Elkon MMC, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Aldan)

RESULTS AND MAIN AREAS OF WORK ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELKON GOLD-URANIUM ORE DISTRICT

A brief overview of the development of the resource base of the Rosatom State Corporation in the uranium industry is presented. At present, the reserves of the Elkon gold-uranium ore district are considered strategic. The main ore structures of the Elkon gold-uranium ore district are: the South Zone and the North Zone. The Yuzhnoye and Severnoye deposits were discovered in 1961, and since then geological exploration work has been carried out, reserves have been approved, OBIN, Scoping Study, Pre-Feasibility Study, etc. have been completed. Currently, the option of involving the Severnoye deposit in the primary development of ores, as well as sections of the Elkon, Elkonskoye Plateau and Kurung deposits, has been considered, which will allow achieving the required indicators for the production of uranium products by 2040.

Keywords: uranium, gold, silver, vanadium, updating data for the development of a preliminary feasibility study for the development of deposits in the Elkon gold-uranium ore region.

Р. 41-47

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_47

УДК 553.411’495:622.277:553.048 (571.56)

Danilov A.A.¹, Zhuravlev V.G.², Karmanov E.N.³, Grebenkin N.A.³ (1 — GRP, 2 — Elkonsky GMK, 3 — VIMS)

MINERALOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL TYPES OF GOLD-URANIUM ORES OF THE ELKON DISTRICT AND RESEARCH DIRECTIONS FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN MINING

In the Elkon gold-uranium ore district (EZURD), open-pit mining of oxidized ores in the Fedorovskaya (Lunnoye deposit) and Severnaya (Severnoye deposit) zones has been started in the last decade, with the extraction of gold and silver using the heap leaching (HL) method. Due to economic reasons, the uranium reserves in the oxidized ores are classified as off-balance. According to the existing mining and processing technologies, uranium is not extracted and is stored in piles for possible future development. The prospects for the development of primary gold-uranium ores from the explored deposits of the Southern Zone and the Northern deposit are scheduled for 2035 and require additional research for successful implementation. This article summarizes data on the mineralogical and technological types of uranium ores in the Elkon district and presents possible directions for their early development.

Keywords: Elkon, ore district, technology, uranium, gold, radiology, reserve estimation, feasibility study of conditions.

Р. 47-57

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_58

УДК 621.039.8:553.495

Pechenkin I.G., Bakhur A.E., Ovsyannikova T.М., Zuev D.M., Starodubov A.V., Gulynin A.V. (VIMS)

APPLICATION OF RADIOISOTOPE METHODS IN THE SEARCH FOR SANDSTONE-TYPE URANIUM DEPOSITS

In the early 1980s, an isotope-soil method (IPM) for searching for deep-lying uranium mineralization based on superimposed scattering halos was developed, patented and tested at VIMS. Experimental and methodological verification of the IPM took place at known uranium sites (mostly endogenous). The standard IPM complex was delivered in the form of experimental and methodological work on the southeastern flank of the North Kharasan uranium deposit. It has been established that IPM is an effective method of searching for uranium deposits of infiltration genesis in platform sediments. VIMS predictive analysis of Namibia’s sedimentary basins has shown that the region’s prospects are far from exhausted. The Aranos basin was identified as the first priority for carrying out geological forecasting and drilling in 2010. In 2015, advanced experimental and methodological work was carried out at the license area. In 2019, the presence of uranium mineralization was confirmed by drilling in the area surrounding the IPM advanced geochemical testing site. The position of its projection on the daytime surface is spatially aligned with the most pronounced anomalous geochemical zone. This once again confirms the effectiveness of using radioisotope geochemical technologies in the search for sandstone deposits of roll-type uranium.

Keywords: isotope-soil method (IPM), uranium deposits, Kazakhstan, Namibia, prospecting.

Р. 58-64

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_65

УДК 553.411´495:622.772+622.791(571.56)

Avdonin G.I., Saltykov A.S., Prozorova M.V., Gryaznov V.M., Konoplev V.A., Rassulov V.A. (VIMS)

ON THE POSSIBILITY OF CARBONATE LEACHING OF OXIDIZED AU–U ORES OF THE ELKON URANIUM ORE REGION AND THE NATURE OF THE REVEALED CHANGES

The article presents the results of experimental studies of the possibility of uranium extraction by carbonate solutions in an alkaline environment from oxidized gold-uranium ores subjected to cyanide leaching. The interaction of the leaching solution with the mineral mass in a percolator simulating a heap leaching stack and the heterogeneous process are estimated in combination by the size of the pieces (0,074–5,0 mm), the time interval (from 1 to 90 days), by selecting the composition of the leaching solution consisting of a quantitative ratio of such components as soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, oxidizer (sodium percarbonate or H₂O₂), which are chemical components of modern cyanide-free solvents. The fundamental possibility of uranium extraction from oxidized gold-uranium ores (up to 88 %) is shown. The chemical composition of microinclusions of ore minerals, areas with compacted formations of fine fraction and new formations of bottom sediment, which in the stack will lead to under-extraction and SLOWING DOWN of the process, was analyzed in leaching cakes. The decomposition time of easily accessible minerals of hexavalent uranium in the first 24 hours of leaching was controlled by the luminescence analysis method.

Keywords: pyrite, goethite, hematite, Severnoye deposit, Elkonsky district, oxidized ores, carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, hydrogen peroxide, alkaline environment, extraction.

Р. 65-77

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_78

УДК 662.349.5:662.775:669.822

Morozov A.A., Grishin Yu.P. (PPGCU, Krasnokamensk, Zabaikalsky Kray, Russia)

MODERN TECHNOLOGIES OF HEAP LEACHING OF URANIUM

The results of the complex of scientific research carried out, which made it possible to implement the phased introduction of modern highly efficient technological solutions into the technology of heap leaching of poor and off-balance uranium ores at the Priargunsky Industrial Mining and Chemical Association, are presented. The use of improved technology of heap leaching of uranium at the enterprise allowed to expand its mineral resource base, ensured environmental safety and significantly reduced the cost of final products. Further use of this technology contributes to the involvement of low-grade uranium deposits in mining.

Keywords: poor and off-balance uranium ores, heap leaching, ore sorting, solution turnover, sulfuric acid, complex processing technology, surfactants, uranium mining enterprise.

Р. 78-83

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_84

УДК 553.495:550.832:622.275(571.54)

Gladyshev A.V. (Vnipipromtechnologies JSC)

APPLICATION OF GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR RATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF URANIUM DEPOSITS OF THE KHIAGDINSKY ORE FIELD (VITIMSKY DISTRICT) BY BOREHOLE IN-SITU LEACHING

The results of research using a set of methods — gamma-ray logging, ²³⁵U instantaneous fission neutron logging and geotechnological mathematical modeling — at the stages of opening the ore-bearing horizon by technological wells, at the main and final stages of development of uranium ore deposits by borehole in-situ leaching are presented.

Keywords: uranium deposit, radium, Ra-U coefficient of radioactive equilibrium, gamma-ray logging, instantaneous fission neutron logging, geotechnological mathematical modeling, uranium ore pillars.

Р. 84-95

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_96

УДК 553.495:622.275:531.34(571.54)

Solodov I.N. (Rosatom Nedra)

RESULTS OF RESEARCH ON IMPROVING THE EFFECIENCY OF DEVELOPMENT OF URANIUM DEPOSITS OF THE KHIAGDINSKY ORE FIELD (REPUBLIC OF BURYATIA) BY BOREHOLE IN0SITU LEACHING IN THE PERMAFROST ZONE

The results of research and technological work for the period 2002–2024 aimed at improving the efficiency of the development of in-situ leaching of the deposits of the Khiagdinsky ore field by in-situ leaching have been summed up. The effect of the introduction of technologies at the stages of geological exploration, development of ore deposits and at the final stage of the FPV is demonstrated by specific examples.

Keywords: uranium deposits, geological exploration, in-situ leaching, field operation, oxidizers, mathematical modeling, instantaneous fission neutron logging, irregular well networks.

Р. 96-102

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_103

УДК 622.349.5:622.277:622.775

ГGolovko V.V. (Giredmet)

DEVELOPMENT OF SORPTION TECHNOLOGY IN HORIZONTAL COLUMNS FOR RECOVERY OF URANIUM FROM PRODUCTIVE BOREHOLE LEACHING SOLUTIONS

Development of a mobile sorption unit (MSU) is an urgent task for all uranium ore regions, since all ore fields are characterized by the presence of a large number of small deposits, for which it is unprofitable to extract uranium by stationary sorption units, since these units are expensive capital construction projects, so such deposits remain without development. As a result of the conducted research and pilot tests, the possibility of sorption of uranium from productive solutions (PS) in dense bed sorption columns of the SNK type, in a horizontal position, with a linear velocity of PS in the column of more than 25 m / h was substantiated. Using the results obtained , it was proposed to install the SNK-2000 sorption column on a 9835 — 77-2 automobile trailer. Calculations of all process parameters of sorption columns were performed and initial data were issued for the MSU project, which should consist of two SNK columns operating according to the «wandering apparatus» scheme. According to the assessment of economic efficiency performed by specialists of JSC «VNIPIpromtekhnologii», the net discounted income from the use of the MSU will be about 1 billion rubles, compared to a local sorption unit (LSU).

Keywords: productive solution processing unit (UPPR), local sorption unit (LSU), modular sorption unit (MoSU), mobile sorption unit (MSU), sorbent, uranium sorption, sorbent regeneration, equilibrium concentration front (ECF), sorption pressure column (SPC), productive solution (PS), total dynamic exchange capacity (TDC) of the sorbent.

Р. 103-108

DOI: 10.53085/0034-026X_2025_5_109

УДК 622.277:004.9

Noskov M.D.¹, Istomin A.D.¹, Ezhurov D.O.², Kadyrov K.K.², Kesler A.G.¹, Lavrov A.S.², Cheglokov A.A.¹ (1 — Seversk Technological Institute of National Research Nuclear University MEPHI, Seversk, 2 — Dalur, Kurgan region, v. Uksyanskoe)

MANAGEMENT OF THE URANIUM IN-SITU LEACHING POLYGON BASED ON A DIGITAL TWIN

The concept of a digital twin of the mining complex of a geotechnological enterprise for uranium mining using in situ leaching is presented. The composition of a software complex integrated at the data level, providing the functioning the digital twin functioning, is described. The application of the digital twin to improve the efficiency of mining site management at different stages of the life cycle of uranium deposit development is considered.

Keywords: uranium mining, in-situ leaching, mining complex, management, digital twin, software.

Р. 109-113