Abstract

BAHAMòNDEZ, C.; CASTRO, R.; VARGAS, T.  and  ARANCIBIA, E.. In situ mining through leaching: Experimental methodology for evaluating its implementation and economic considerations. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2016, vol.116, n.7, pp.689-698. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2016/v116n7a11.

Rising costs in the mining industry have necessitated a search for alternative methods for the recovery of metals from deposits that are no longer economically or environmentally exploitable by conventional mining. These alternative methods include in situ mining. A laboratory model was developed and an experimental programme undertaken to determine the effect of temperature, aeration, material compression, and material extraction on copper recovery by in situ leaching using H₂SO₄ and Fe³+. Recovery was estimated using the shrinking core model. Based on the experimental results and recovery estimations, an economic evaluation was completed comparing in situ mining with conventional mining methods.

Keywords : mining methods; in situ leaching; copper; laboratory model; experimental protocol.

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