Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine Implements Bacterial Leaching Technology to Extract More Uranium

The Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine (NMMC), in collaboration with scientists, is introducing a new technology to extract additional uranium from previously depleted underground leaching blocks using bacterial solutions. This development was announced by Shavkat Madaminov, the head of NMMC’s Production, Technical, and Innovation Department.

The combine has a long history of successful scientific research and industrial projects, particularly in the development and application of new technologies to increase uranium production. Madaminov emphasized that the new bacterial leaching technology, developed in partnership with scientists from the Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, will enhance the extraction coefficient and uranium content in previously exploited wells. This advancement is expected to increase production, extend the lifespan of productive wells and blocks, and reduce the overall cost of production.

Madaminov further explained that the technology could lead to the extraction of uranium from blocks that were previously 70% depleted, potentially increasing uranium yield by 2.4 times. He also highlighted the growing number of research and innovation projects at NMMC. In 2009, the combine implemented 55 projects worth 4.5 billion sums, while by the end of 2010, more than 90 projects were completed, totaling around 9 billion sums, doubling the achievements of the previous year.

The key areas of focus include open-pit and underground mining, technology, geotechnology, and engineering. The economic impact of these innovations has, on average, exceeded the cost of the projects by twofold.