ZUUVCH-OVOO PROJECT
FROM MINING TO COMPLETE MOUNTAIN MINING FACILITIES
Since 1996, Orano Group’s exploration subsidiary company, Cogegobi, has been continuously carrying out geological reconnaissance and exploration work in the southeastern provinces of Mongolia: Dornogovi and Sukhbaatar.
Major achievements of exploration include discovery of the Dulaan Uul deposit in 2007 and the world-class Zuuvch Ovoo deposit in 2010, which significantly increased Mongolia’s overall uranium resources. These works have been conducted in accordance with the law on minerals adopted by the Parliament of Mongolia and international safety, security and environmental standards.
Zuuvch Ovoo pilot test (2021-2022)
Badrakh Energy successfully completed the pilot test for uranium extraction and processing from the Zuuvch Ovoo deposit from July 2021 to December 2022.
OBJECTIVES:
The pilot installation was set up to determine the mining method best suited to the deposit. On-site testing is also part of the legal requirement in Mongolia. The objectives of the Zuuvch Ovoo pilot test consisted of:
- Providing data for the update of the feasibility study and confirming technical and economic parameters
- Confirming the expected very low environmental impact of the ISR mining method
- Involving the local communities in the monitoring of the test, thus contributing to the social acceptance of the project
Zuuvch Ovoo pilot plant operated during the 18 months of test without any safety or environmental incidents.
All technical aspects (eg. uranium recovery rate, reagent consumption, concentrate purity) of uranium recovery and processing have been tested. Badrakh Energy has successfully produced about 10 tons of natural uranium.The pilot plant teams, mainly consisting of local recruits from the surrounding communities, have successfully demonstrated their ability to safely operate the ISR technology. Nearly 100% of the staff operating the pilot were Mongolian nationals (among 52 employees working on site, only two were foreign experts, and 50% of them were local youth).
During the transition phase between the end of pilot operation and the start of project investment, particular attention is being paid to supporting pilot employees and providing training and education opportunities.
Groundwater and aquifer in the Zuuvch Ovoo area
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER ZUUVCH OVOO PILOT TEST
Advanced exploration began in 2011 for Zuuvch Ovoo. This involves detailed delineation of the mineralization in order to measure the quantity, grade, and geometry of the uranium ore bodies, as well as conducting hydro-geological studies and examining the geological environment.
Water is a vital natural resource. Understanding where it is and how it moves under the ground is essential in protecting this resource. By using geological maps and taking samples of underground and surface water for analysis, hydrogeologists are building a detailed picture of how water flows underground.
In 2021, the working group of the Academy of Sciences worked to determine the impact of in-situ leaching technology on the environment and the natural conditions, which were to be used in the pilot test by Badrakh Energy in Ulaanbadrakh soum in Dornogovi province.
In 2023, the working group of the Academy of Sciences came to the project site after the completion of the pilot test, conducted the same detailed study, and made a presentation to the local administration and citizens.
2
Production trial to mine uranium using 2 grids
30+
Over 30 monitoring wells will be operational during the 2-year trial period.
200+
The process takes 300 days to produce a product with a 75% content.
2
The trial will continue for 2 years and will be exported in the next phase.
Supervision and environmental monitoring
All the environmental impact results of the ISR test were sent to the relevant Mongolian administrative bodies, along with the post-test environmental impact assessment.
