Home > Electronic Reading Room > Basic References > Glossary > In situ leach In situ leach A process using a solution called lixiviant to extract uranium from underground ore bodies in place (in other words, in situ). Lixiviant, which typically contains an oxidant such as oxygen and/or hydrogen peroxide mixed with sodium carbonate or carbon dioxide, is injected through wells into the ore body in a confined aquifer to dissolve the uranium. This solution is then pumped via other wells to the surface for processing. For additional detail, see In Situ Recovery Facilities. |
