Geochemical Changes During In Situ Uranium Leaching With Acid

The Bureau of Mines measured the geochemical changes as H2SO4 was used for in situ uranium leaching by Rocky Mountain Energy Company near Casper, Wyoming. Cores and ground water were analyzed before leaching. Water samples were taken from observation wells located between injection and production wells as the leach solution was brought up to full strength in several steps. Measurements were made of pH, Eh, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen,HC03, U. V, Na, K, Ca, Mg,S04, CI, Mo, Mn, Fe, AI, Si, F, P, As, and Se. The data were gathered to assist in geochemical modeling of leaching and to study the potential environmental effects of acid leaching. Environmental considerations appear favorable. For example, the concentration of Se, a toxic element often found in uranium deposits, stayed below the EPA standard for drinking water.