In situ mining through leaching: Experimental methodology for evaluating its implementation and economic considerations

Abstract

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.