Priarginsky Mining and Chemical Works, Krasnokamensk, Russia:

Yu. V. Bakharev, Chief Geophysicist, BaharevUV@ppgho.ru
V. V. Lebedev, Leading Geophysicist of Mine No. 1
O. V. Lavrentiev, Leading Geophysicist of Central Research Laboratory

The article generalizes experience gained by the Geophysical Service of Priargunsky Mining and Chemical Works (Priargunsky) in the integrated investigation of mineral reserves and high quality ore supply to hydrometallurgy. Geological exploration is end-to-end maintained by geophysical survey. The range of the methods to be used depends on the objectives and is determined by operating plans. The article describes a general arrangement of geophysical maintenance of mining and processing works (including uranium heap leaching) and describes monitoring equipment. Geophysical studies enable high-precision assessment of mineral content of subsoil reserves and broken rocks, automation of grading process, stabilization of ore quality, estimation of ore process properties and ore concentration both at the scale of large batches and small fragments. The package of geophysical methods used at Priargunsky is selected and improved based on extensive experience of theoretical and practical investigations implemented by Priargunsky’s personnel and outside experts contractually engaged from various research institutions. Geophysical maintenance of uranium production handles a great deal of problems connected with appraisal of mineralization, ore extraction completeness and quality control, integrated use of subsoil, reduction of loss and dilution, ore and rock grading, product quality stabilization and commercial stock accounting. To this effect, various methods of assaying by gamma-emission are used: gamma ray logging, gamma assaying of muck, gamma shooting and gamma express-analysis of broken rocks in vehicles, shovel buckets, cars and dump trucks.

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