Prospects for the Development of the Semizbay Hydrogenic Deposit

Abstract—The importance of this work is determined by the fact that hydrogenic deposits are developed using combined technologies, and criteria for combining these technologies have not been sufficiently developed. The aim is to select the optimal method for developing the deposit taking into account the characteristics of the uranium ores that make it up. We study the Semizbay sandstone-type deposit located within loose sedimentary rocks and covering an area of 36 km in length and 10 km in width. Methods: analysis of the theory and practice of deposit development, establishing dependences between operational indicators, simulation, methods of mathematical statistics, technical and economic calculations, and testing of certain propositions. Results. A characterization of the systems for developing hydrogenic deposits is provided, justifying the necessity of combining metal extraction technologies through leaching with traditional technologies under the conditions of the deposit. Alternative leaching technologies using interacting wells and heap leaching of metals are detailed. The mechanism and differences in the conditions for uranium leaching in a flowing massif and in heaps are clarified. A comparative analysis of alternative development options for the deposit is performed, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Leaching parameters are found to depend on the rate and efficiency of uncovering new reaction areas with different mechanisms for extracting uranium from mineral particles. The effectiveness of developing hydrogenic deposits is shown to increase by combining the processes of borehole hydraulic ore mining of ores and heap leaching of metals. A model for the sequence of decision-making with an arbitrary information source based on the criterion of discounted profit from extraction is proposed. Conclusions. The results of the study may be in demand during the reassessment of reserves, modernization of development systems, and optimization of methods for managing the quality of mining production. The recommended methods for controlling the combined development of hydrogenic deposits facilitate completeness of subsoil resource utilization.