Results of sample analysis and initial leach tests of 17 of the 23 tailings dams at the Mailuu-Suu Uranium Tailings Project in Kyrgyzstan have prompted Nimrodel Resources to begin mineralogical and metallurgical test work.

The Australian-based uranium explorer has completed ‘first pass’ resource evaluation drilling and sampling at the 48sqkm project with the remaining 6 dams considered too small to drill.

The Mailuu-Suu district, in the Jalal-Abad Province in southern Kyrgyzstan, was a significant Soviet uranium mining area where about 10,000 tonnes of uranium was reportedly produced between 1946 and 1967. As well as the tailings dams the licence includes 13 mullock deposits.

A report correlating sample number, hole number, dam number, depth, lithology, scintillometer reading and uranium content (ppm) has been evaluated. On the basis of this preliminary analysis, more than half the volume of tailings exceeds a minimum average cut-off grade of 100ppm.

Results from 7 tailings dams exceed the minimum average cut-off grade. In total 32 drill holes intersected tailings on these dams and they contain about 55% of the total estimated volume of 2 million cubic metres of tailings at Mailuu Suu.

The remaining portions of the samples collected during drilling have been compiled into 3 composite samples.

Mineralogical and metallurgical test work of these composite samples is being carried out in the Kara Balta Uranium Processing Plant near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Initial exploratory leach tests have been encouraging with up to 90% recoveries being achieved. The test work program will provide the basis for a potential project evaluation and potential scoping study.

A report by metallurgical process plant designers/builders Como Engineers includes preliminary recommendations for reclamation of tailings; processing of tailings; waste ore dumps; tailings storage facility; health, safety and environmental matters; and project implementation.

Assuming the test program yields commercial recoveries and the tailings dams ultimately contain commercial reserves, Como Engineers have proposed a conceptual process route including:

Screening and re-pulping at tailings deposit location

Add leach agent (alkali carbonate) to slurry

Transport and leaching in pipe

Separation and treatment of liquor at plant site using ion exchange or solvent extraction for recovery of uranium

Discharge of neutralized tailings to stable tailings dam location.

www.nimrodel.com.au