On the concept of in-situ metal leaching

The information on history of in-situ metal leaching method (ISL) was given. role Russian scientists and research organizations in into ISL processes shown. Examples application at the mines USSR, CIS nonCIS countries with implementation features were main disadvantages formulated: low rate production difficulty monitoring completeness recovery pregnant solution. It noted that underground even well-crushed ores lasts for many years. This, under otherwise equal conditions, decreases attractiveness comparison traditional methods mining. Well-known new promising process intensification increasing extraction solution described. As illustrated by North Caucasian deposits Sadon group, expediency use extracting residual reserves, which would not be extracted methods, Professor I.A. Ostroushko development metals remained mined-out space mines, particular, from wastewater. Information current state conclusion made about insufficient this mining some regions. For first time, details general concept clarified: feasibility only favorable but also non-continuous geology mineralization; applicability substandard (non-extractable methods), balance reserves; (block leaching) proposed as an alternative to specific example, complex ore deposits.