Khiagda, Chita, Russia:

L. V. Maskina, Specialist in Support of Projects of Construction Department, Maskina.L.V@hiagda.ru

Atomredmetzoloto, Moscow, Russia:

E. D. Avdoshin, Leading Specialist of Design Group in Directorate of Programs

The article informs in brief on distinctive aspects of mineral mining with the most environmentally safe method – in-situ leaching. As against the conventional mining operations, this method is advantageous for the absence of low-grade ore stock piles, gang dumps and tailings; no dusting; as well as for the ability to return the agricultural lands at a comparatively low labor cost. One of the two companies that produce uranium using the said method in the Russian Federation is Khiagda JSC affiliated with ARMZ Uranium Holding. The authors describe general geography, environment and geology of the mining area and outlines of Khiagda uranium ore body situated in the center of Khiagda ore field. The mine enjoys rapid development – uranium production made 500 t in 2016, and it is scheduled to reach the design capacity of 1000 t annually in 2019. By mining sequentially the other deposits inside Khiagda ore field, production licenses for which have already been obtained, the company can operate at the design capacity for more than 30 years. The prospects for Khiagda to expand its raw material supply base are discussed. The location of the mine is favorable for using the in-situ leaching method. Later on, it is supposed to develop eight deposits within Khiagda ore field and nearly two dozens of deposits in six ore fields inside Vitim uranium ore province, which offer potential raw material supply for the successful performance over a period longer than 100 years.

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