US EPA

3729076 

Journal Article 

3D Modelling of the New South Tortkuduk Uranium Roll-Front Deposits, Kazakhstan 

Mathieu, R; Oppeneau, T; Langlais, V; Duguey, E; Petit, G; Fiet, N 

2015 

1731-1734 

WOS:000374801300395 

After an intensive 10-years long exploration phase the South Tortkuduk (18y-13i and 17y-9i-11i) uranium deposits are currently at reserves estimation stage. 2D reserves estimation is mandatory according to the official kazakhstanese instructions for registration the C1 and C2 categories reserves on the State balance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. But the complex-shaped and stacked sets of these roll-front type uranium deposits within the Uyuk and Ikansk sandy formations (Eocene age) makes this 2D modelling a challenge. The 3D deterministic models are well-suited for the full representation of different geological objects allowing a better comprehensive geometry of the reservoir and morphology of the roll front. The 3D stochastic models are well-suited for simulating the distribution of the properties of the reservoir which are the base for further reactive transport modelling and fluid-flow simulation. They are fundamental for deposit heterogeneities characterization and assessment of uncertainties. Final outcome will be more representative average recovery curve, better assessment of the impact of uncertainties on the ISR extraction schedule. The 3D modelling benefits for the South Tortkuduk deposits will be to reduce the geological risk for the full and reliable assessment of the productivity of the technological blocks. 

Uranium; roll-front; stochastic; deterministic; modelling; In-situ recovery