DEPARTEMTN OF MINING ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, LAHORE

MINE 455 – Solution Mining
Final Exam
Date: 26-06-2020 Time :3 hours Marks: 70
Instructions
 This is an Open book exam, internet, notes and text books are permitted.
 Show all calculations
 If there is a doubt in the interpretation of any questions candidates are encouraged to clarify it from the
instructor.
 In case of any missing data, assume the missing data by yourself and write clearly assumptions you made
while solving the problem.

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Question No. 1 [5 (3+2) Marks] CLO-2
What are the important properties to be present in a geological deposit to be suitable
for Solution mining? Name the frequently used deposit types for solution mining.
Question No. 2 (Part A) [5(2.5+2.5) Marks] CLO-3
Use your mathematical skills to model a relationship between radius of largest rock in
the broken ore and average rock size of the ore to be used in dimensionless fractional
extraction design curve. Based on the relationship draw the curve, showing all calculations.
Remember curve should be drawn with mathematical values. Not a sketch.
Question No. 2 (Part B) [5 Marks]
Leaching tests of a gold ore crushed to -10 mesh showed that maximum extraction over
an extended period was 70 %. Multiplicate column tests of the ore crushed and screened to
pass 1.5 inches yielded an average extraction of 63% in 7 days. Estimate the leaching time
required for this crushed and screened ore to obtain 85% extraction. Estimate the value of
effective diffusivity and micro porosity of this ore.
Question No. 2 (Part C) [5 Marks]
Why effective diffusivity instead of diffusivity must be incorporated in leaching design
calculations?
Question No. 2 (Part D) [3(2+1) Marks] CLO-3
What is a resistivity log and its purpose in in situ leaching?
Question No. 2 (Part E) [2 Marks]
A suction pump lifts to a maximum height of 25 feet, why?
Question No. 2 (Part F) [1+1+2 (4) Marks]
To lift water from 50 feet well via airlift pump, we use 180 feet length of airline. Calculate the
portion of airline to be submerged in water for maximum lift. What should be the starting air
pressure and how many gallons of water will be lifted for each cubic feet of air? Draw the
schematic also.
 DEPARTEMTN OF MINING ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, LAHORE

Question No. 3 (Part A) [2 Marks] CLO-4

What is activated carbon?
Question No. 3 (Part B) [3 Marks]
What correction factors need to be applied to scale up column leaching tests to heap design?
Question No. 3 (Part C) [4(2+2) Marks]
In Merill-Crowe process, how oxygen is removed in deaeration tower? What bad can happen if
oxygen is not removed?
Question No. 3 (Part D) [5 (Marks] CLO-4
After adsorption circuit of the uranium processing plant, the acidic uranium solution is
neutralized with ammonia to precipitate ammonium diuranate. Write the chemical equation for
this precipitation process. Also describe how this ammonium diuranate is converted into yellow
cake? (Use internet resources)
Question No. 3 (Part E) [5 Marks]
After uranium rich lixiviant enters the processing facility, what hydrometallurgical and other
processes are devised to convert it to yellow cake and finally to nuclear powerplant fuel rods?
Draw flowsheet of the process.
Question No. 4 (Part A) [4(Marks] CLO-5
As ISL mining is completed, the quality of the remaining groundwater must be restored to a
baseline standard determined before the start of the operation with different techniques. What
is the difference between accelerated natural attenuation and groundwater sweep restoration
techniques?
Question No. 4 (Part B) [3 Marks]
How aquifer water can be freed from heavy metal ions?
Question No. 5 [15 (5+5+5) Marks] CLO-6
For designing an insitu well field, lab scale experiments are the first step. Once success at lab
scale is achieved, mathematical models are used to scale up the in situ leaching process to
industrial scale. Which mathematical model is used to accommodate well field productivity
decline with the passage of time in insitu leaching operation? Use your mathematical skills to
derive relationship between (A) Well decline and leaching time (B) Mineral fraction unleached
and leaching time (C) Rate constant and peak concentration.