from the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series, Report No. NF-T-1.4 is their 2017 version on in situ leach (ISL) mining, also called in situ leaching or in situ recovery (ISR) mining (these terms are considered to be synonomous in this publication), has become a standard uranium mining production method. In this report, ISL mining refers to a special form of solution mining applied to ore deposits in sedimentary, saturated aquifers by using injection and extraction wells from the surface. This report does not include detailed consideration of any kind of leaching in unsaturated formations or of block leaching in underground mine works.
In the past, ISL was applied mainly in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the United States and Uzbekistan. Recently, it has been used in Australia, China, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, the U.S. and Uzbekistan, with small operations or experiments elsewhere. This publication shows how ISL experience around the world can be used to direct the development of ISL uranium mining activities, with an emphasis on the economics of the process, taking into account environmental
considerations including responsible mine closure.
The definition of ISL and associated terms, and the definition of resources and reserves with respect to different schemes are described. The conditions of application and recovery techniques (acid and alkaline leach mining and ion exchange and solvent exchange recovery) are discussed, along with groundwater remediation and
above ground decommissioning. A review of the developments in ISL uranium production is presented in the annexes (annexes to this publication are available on the companion CD-ROM).
This report provides Member States and interested parties with information on how to design and efficiently and safely regulate current and future projects, with a view to maximizing economic performance and minimizing negative environmental impact. Many references are cited that can direct readers to additional information.
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