可地浸砂岩型铀矿工艺矿物学研究理论、现状与问题思考

THEORY,CURRENT STATUS AND PROBLEMS OF PROCESS MINERALOGY RESEARCH ON IN-SITU LEACHABLE SANDSTONE-TYPE URANIUM DEPOSITS

对可地浸砂岩型铀矿进行工艺矿物学研究对于解决地浸采铀中存在的关键性问题和可持续发展至关重要。本次研究针对工艺矿物学研究理论与方法,现状及发展趋势,提出了目前存在的问题及技术瓶颈,并给出了相应的对策及建议。研究认为:(1)如何使铀更有效地从矿石中“浸出”和从矿层中“出来”是目前可地浸砂岩型铀矿工艺矿物学研究中存在的关键科学问题;(2)砂岩型铀矿工艺矿物学研究的内容和方法有别于常规以选矿为目的的工艺矿物学研究,前者重视矿物的化学特性对矿物溶解的影响,而后者重视矿物的物理特性对矿物分离的影响;(3)地浸采铀过程中浸矿剂与铀矿物发生反应的同时也会与矿层中几乎所有的其它物质发生反应,因此既要研究单一矿物的水-岩(矿物)反应过程,更要考虑各矿物之间的相互影响和综合效应;(4)地浸采铀工艺的化学溶浸特点决定了砂岩型铀矿工艺矿物学研究既是矿物学问题也是地球化学问题,在研究内容和方法上更需要重视矿物学与地球化学的紧密结合;(5)实验和模拟是定性至定量地揭示矿物与浸矿剂反应机理最有效的方法之一,以及原样动态柱浸实验与地浸现场实际时空动态钻孔取样分析结合,是今后可地浸砂岩型铀矿工艺矿物学实验研究发展的重要方向;(6)在地球化学作用上,作为天然成矿作用的逆过程,人工地浸采铀与砂岩型铀矿成矿作用有一定的联系,因此工艺矿物学研究也可借鉴和参考铀成矿理论和研究方法。

The study of process mineralogy for sandstone-type uranium ore suitable for in-situ leaching is crucial to address key challenges and achieve the sustainable development of in-situ leaching of uranium.Regarding the theories and methods of process mineralogy research,this paper outlines the current state,development trends,identifies existing problems,and highlights technical bottlenecks in in-situ leaching of uranium.It further proposes corresponding countermeasures and suggestions.The research underscores that the effective leaching and extraction of uranium from ore layers are pivotal scientific challenges in the process mineralogy research of in-situ leachable sandstone-type uranium ore.The content and methods of process mineralogy research for sandstone-type uranium ore differ from conventional process mineralogy research.The former primarily focuses on the impact of mineral chemical properties on mineral dissolution,whereas the latter emphasizes the influence of mineral physical properties on mineral separation.In the uranium extraction process,leaching agents interact with uranium minerals and nearly all other substances in the ore layer.Thus,it is essential to study the water-rock(mineral)reaction process of individual minerals and consider the mutual influence and comprehensive effects of various minerals.The chemical leaching characteristics of the uranium leaching process reveal that the process mineralogy of sandstone-type uranium ore is not solely a mineralogy problem but also a geochemical problem.The research content and methods should prioritize the close integration of mineralogy and geochemistry.Experiments and simulations emerge as one of the most effective methods to qualitatively and quantitatively unveil the reaction mechanism of minerals and leaching agents.The combination of in-situ dynamic column leaching experiments and actual spatiotemporal dynamic drilling sampling analysis on the ground leaching site represents a significant direction for future mineralogy experimental research and the development of in-situ leachable sandstone-type uranium ore.From a geochemical perspective,as a reverse process of natural mineralization,artificial uranium in-situ leaching exhibits a certain connection with the mineralization of sandstone-type uranium deposits.Therefore,the study of process mineralogy can draw inspiration from the theory and research methods of uranium mineralization.