Study on statistical model building to optimise the agglomeration for applications in heap leaching of uranium ore

Abstract

Heap leaching has been commonly used to treat low ores due to its low capital and operating costs. The agglomeration process is generally used as the intermediate process between crushing and stacking. Fine particles are attached to the coarser particles or bonded together to form bigger particles during the agglomeration. This research was conducted to build a statistical model of the agglomeration for applications in heap leaching of semi-weathered uranium ores in Pa Lua - Pa Rong area, aiming at optimising the agglomeration stage. Based on the results obtained, we has selected the suitable parameters which affect the agglomeration process of semi-weathered ores as follows: consumption of 20 kg H₂SO₄ per a tonne of uranium ore, concentration of 250 g H₂SO₄ per litre, ore moisture of 8%.