Effect of Clay Stabilizers on Permeability of Clayey Ore

摘要

In situ leach mining operations often encounter difficulty maintaining adequate leach solution flow into the ore formation. Swelling and dispersion of clay particles in the formation are often responsible for this permeability loss. Permeability and leaching tests were done in the laboratory on clayey ores to evaluate a clay-stabilizing polymer's effectiveness in preventing these problems. To determine the reasons for the success of the clay stabilizers, an investigation was conducted to determine the effect of the stabilizer on clay swelling and dispersion.