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Author Boulesteix, T.; Cathelineau, M.; Deloule, E.; Brouand, M.; Toubon, H.; Lach, P.; Fiet, N. url  openurl
  Title Ilmenites and their alteration products, sinkholes for uranium and radium in roll-front deposits after the example of South Tortkuduk (Kazakhstan) Type Journal Article
  Year 2019 Publication Journal of Geochemical Exploration Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 206 Issue Pages 106343  
  Keywords  
  Abstract The approximate determination of average Ra/U disequilibria in orebodies is one of the most common causes of errors in U reserve estimations. In roll-front deposits, the disequilibria are however frequently distributed following complex geometries, which must be fully understood to prevent major U reserve overestimates and costly unproductive extractive operations. The processes responsible for disruption of the radioactive equilibria and the U and Ra carriers in such complex natural systems remain poorly constrained. In this contribution, we propose an innovative approach, mixing orebody to sub-grain scale studies to unravel the distribution of U and Ra and the processes responsible for their concentration and uncoupling. Using mineral separations, gamma spectrometry and mineral-chemical analyses, we identified the Fe-Ti clusters (altered ilmenite + pyrite/marcasite) as the microsites for coffinite precipitation and Ra concentration. To understand the influence of such clusters on the distribution of U and Ra at the deposit scale, whole-rock Ra/U disequilibria were measured and mapped at a series of ten drill holes along a profile crosscutting the studied roll-front. The main Ra/U disequilibria are encountered around the mineralization in low U content zones. They are controlled by two main processes. (1) In the oxidized zones, the immobility of 230Th with respect to the U produces patches of Ra disequilibria (carried by the altered U minerals). (2) In the immediate vicinity of the roll-front, the dissolution of the mineralization produces an Ra flux trapped by the alteration products of ilmenites, as definitely confirmed by direct SIMS measurements. Such a process is responsible for the Ra disequilibria envelope located downstream of the richest ores, also known as Ra halo. The highest Ra/U ratios correspond to oxidized upstream samples, but most other high Ra/U ratios are from reduced downstream samples close to the mineralization. Such a low to medium U content envelope with high Ra/U ratios constitutes the main cause of U reserve overestimations.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0375-6742 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ boulesteix_ilmenites_2019 Serial 181  
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Author Lach, P.; Cathelineau, M.; Brouand, M.; Fiet, N. url  openurl
  Title In-situ Isotopic and Chemical Study of Pyrite from Chu-Sarysu (Kazakhstan) Roll-front Uranium Deposit Type Journal Article
  Year 2015 Publication Procedia Earth and Planetary Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 13 Issue Pages 207-210  
  Keywords LA-ICP-MS, pyrite, roll-front, SIMS, sulfur isotopy, traces elements, uranium  
  Abstract Pyrite is common in roll-front type uranium deposit in Chu-sarysu basin, Kazakhstan. Combined in-situ microstructural, isotopic and chemical analysis of pyrite indicates variation in precipitation conditions and in fluid composition. Broad-scale δ34S heterogeneity indicates a complex multi-facet evolution. First generation authigenic framboïdal aggregates are biogenic as demonstrated by the lowest δ34S values of -48‰ to -28‰. The latest generation pyrites are probably hydrothermal with greater δ34S variation (-30‰ to +12‰). This hydrothermal pyrite commonly displays variable enrichment of several trace elements especially As, Co and Ni. Strong variation in δ34S values and variable trace element enrichment is interpreted in terms of continuous variations in fluid composition.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title (up)  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1878-5220 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ lach_-situ_2015 Serial 182  
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Author Etschmann, B.; Liu, W.; Li, K.; Dai, S.; Reith, F.; Falconer, D.; Kerr, G.; Paterson, D.; Howard, D.; Kappen, P.; Wykes, J.; Brugger, J. url  openurl
  Title Enrichment of germanium and associated arsenic and tungsten in coal and roll-front uranium deposits Type Journal Article
  Year 2017 Publication Chemical Geology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 463 Issue Pages 29-49  
  Keywords Arsenic, Coal, EXAFS and XANES, germanium, Hydrothermal fluids, Metallogenesis, Speciation, Tungsten  
  Abstract Most of the World’s germanium (Ge) is mined from Ge-rich lignite, where it is commonly associated with elevated arsenic (As), tungsten (W) and beryllium (Be) contents. Over the past decade, new evidence showing that World-class Ge deposits result from the interaction of hydrothermal fluids with organic matter in coal seams has emerged. Yet, the chemical state of Ge and associated metals in lignite remains poorly understood. We used Mega-pixel Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence (MSXRF), X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) to characterize the oxidation states and chemical bonding environment of Ge, As, and W in two world-class Mesozoic Ge-in-lignite deposits (Lincang, Yunnan, southwestern China; Wulantuga, Inner Mongolia, northeastern China); in lignite-bearing uranium (U) ores from the Beverley deposit (South Australia) hosted in Eocene sandstones; and in lignite and preserved wood in late Oligocene-Miocene fluviatile sediments (Gore, Southland, New Zealand). The aim was to improve our understanding of the enrichment mechanism of Ge in lignite and better evaluate the environmental mobility of Ge and some of the associated metals (specifically As and W) in lignite ores. In all samples, chemical maps show that Ge is distributed homogeneously (down to 2μm) within the organic matter. XANES and EXAFS data show that Ge exists in the tetravalent oxidation state and in a distorted octahedral coordination with O, consistent with complexing of Ge by organic ligands. In some pyrite-bearing samples, a minor fraction of Ge is also present as Ge(IV) in association with pyrite. In contrast, As displays a more complex speciation pattern, sometimes even in a single sample, including As(III), As(V), and As(−I/+II) in solid solution in sulfides. Arsenic in sulfides occurs in anionic and cationic forms, i.e., it shows both the common substitution for S22− and the substitution for Fe recently discovered in some hydrothermal pyrites. Tungsten was present as W(VI) in distorted octahedral (3+3) coordination. The EXAFS data confirm the absence or minor contribution of individual W-rich minerals such as scheelite or ferberite to W mass balance in the studied samples. These data show that Ge, W, and probably some As are scavenged via formation of insoluble, oxygen-bridged metal organic complexes in lignite. Destruction of the organic ligands responsible for fixing Ge and W (As) in these lignites is required for liberating the metals, e.g. from waste materials. Geochemical modelling suggests that Ge, W, Be and As all can be extracted from granitic rocks by dilute, low temperature hydrothermal fluids. Germanium is transported mainly as the tetrahedral Ge(OH)4(aq) complex, but fixed as an octahedral oxy-bridged organic complex. The same situation is valid for W, which is transported at the tetrahedral tungstate ion, but most likely scavenged via formation of a 6-coordinated metal-organic species. The Ge-Be-W±As association in Ge-rich coals reflects the source of the metals as well as related scavenging mechanisms.  
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  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title (up)  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0009-2541 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ etschmann_enrichment_2017 Serial 183  
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Author Hebert, B.; Baron, F.; Robin, V.; Lelievre, K.; Dacheux, N.; Szenknect, S.; Mesbah, A.; Pouradier, A.; Jikibayev, R.; Roy, R.; Beaufort, D. url  openurl
  Title Quantification of coffinite (USiO4) in roll-front uranium deposits using visible to near infrared (Vis-NIR) portable field spectroscopy Type Journal Article
  Year 2019 Publication Journal of Geochemical Exploration Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 199 Issue Pages 53-59  
  Keywords Coffinite, Mineral quantification, Near infrared, Ore exploration, Portable field spectroscopy, Roll-front deposits  
  Abstract Coffinite (USiO4) is a common uranium-bearing mineral of roll-front uranium deposits. This mineral can be identified by the visible near infrared (Vis-NIR) portable field spectrometers used in mining exploration. However, due to the low detection limits and associated errors, the quantification of coffinite abundance in the mineralized sandstones or sandy sediments of roll-front uranium deposits using Vis-NIR spectrometry requires a specific methodological development. In this study, the 1135 nm absorption band area is used to quantify the abundance of coffinite. This absorption feature does not interfere with NIR absorption bands of any other minerals present in natural sands or sandstones of uranium roll-front deposits. The correlation between the 1135 nm band area and coffinite content was determined from a series of spectra measured from prepared mineral mixtures. The samples were prepared with a range of weighted amounts of arenitic sands and synthetic coffinite simulating the range of uranium concentration encountered in roll-front uranium deposits. The methodology presented in this study provides the quantification of the coffinite content present in sands between 0.03 wt% to 1 wt% coffinite with a detection limit as low as 0.005 wt%. The integrated area of the 1135 nm band is positively correlated with the coffinite content of the sand in this range, showing that the method is efficient to quantify coffinite concentrations typical of roll-front uranium deposits. The regression equation defined in this study was then used as a reference to predict the amount of natural coffinite in a set of mineralized samples from the Tortkuduk uranium roll-front deposit (South Kazakhstan).  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title (up)  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0375-6742 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ hebert_quantification_2019 Serial 184  
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Author Bonnetti, C.; Zhou, L.; Riegler, T.; Brugger, J.; Fairclough, M. url  openurl
  Title Large S isotope and trace element fractionations in pyrite of uranium roll front systems result from internally-driven biogeochemical cycle Type Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 282 Issue Pages 113-132  
  Keywords Activity cycle, Pyrite composition, Roll front uranium deposits, S isotope and trace element fractionation  
  Abstract Complex pyrite textures associated with large changes in isotopic and trace element compositions are routinely assumed to be indicative of multi-faceted processes involving multiple fluid and sulfur sources. We propose that the features of ore-stage pyrite from roll front deposits across the world, revealed in exquisite detail via high-resolution trace element mapping by LA-ICP-MS, reflect the dynamic internal evolution of the biogeochemical processes responsible for sulfate reduction, rather than externally driven changes in fluid or sulfur sources through time. Upon percolation of oxidizing fluids into the reduced host-sandstones, roll front systems become self-organized, with a systematic reset of their activity cycle after each translation stage of the redox interface down dip of the aquifer. Dominantly reducing conditions at the redox interface favor the formation of biogenic framboidal pyrite (δ34S from −30.5 to −12.5‰) by bacterial sulfate reduction and the genesis of the U mineralization. As the oxidation front advances, oxidation of reduced sulfur minerals induces an increased supply of sulfate and metals in solution to the bacterial sulfate reduction zone that has similarly advanced down the flow gradient. Hence, this stage is marked by increased rates of the bacterial sulfate reduction associated with the crystallization of variably As-Co-Ni-Mo-enriched concentric pyrite (up to 10,000′s of ppm total trace contents) with moderately negative δ34S values (from −13.7 to −7.5‰). A final stage of pyrite cement with low trace element contents and heavier δ34S signature (from −6.9 to +18.8‰) marks the end of the roll front activity cycle and the transition from an open to a predominantly closed system behavior (negligible advection of fresh sulfate). Blocky pyrite cement is formed using the remaining sulfate, which now becomes quickly heavy according to a Rayleigh isotope fractionation process. This ends the cycle by depleting the nutrient supplies for the sulfate-reducing bacteria and cementing pore spaces within the host sandstone, effectively restricting fluid infiltration. This internally-driven roll front activity cycle results in systematic, large S isotope and trace element fractionation. Ultimately, the long-time evolution of the basin and fluid sources control the metal endowment and evolution of the system; these events, however, are unlikely to be preserved by the roll front, as a direct result of its hydrodynamic nature.  
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  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title (up)  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0016-7037 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ bonnetti_large_2020 Serial 185  
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Author Min, M.; Xu, H.; Chen, J.; Fayek, M. url  openurl
  Title Evidence of uranium biomineralization in sandstone-hosted roll-front uranium deposits, northwestern China Type Journal Article
  Year 2005 Publication Ore Geology Reviews Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 26 Issue 3 Pages 198-206  
  Keywords Biomineralization, China, Roll-front uranium deposit, Sandstone  
  Abstract We show evidence that the primary uranium minerals, uraninite and coffinite, from high-grade ore samples (U3O8\textgreater0.3%) in the Wuyiyi, Wuyier, and Wuyisan sandstone-hosted roll-front uranium deposits, Xinjiang, northwestern China were biogenically precipitated and psuedomorphically replace fungi and bacteria. Uranium (VI), which was the sole electron acceptor, was likely to have been enzymically reduced. Post-mortem accumulation of uranium may have also occurred through physio-chemical interaction between uranium and negatively-charged cellular sites, and inorganic adsorption or precipitation reactions. These results suggest that microorganisms may have played a key role in formation of the sandstone- or roll-type uranium deposits, which are among the most economically significant uranium deposits in the world.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title (up)  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0169-1368 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ min_evidence_2005 Serial 186  
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Author Li, X.; Shen, K.; Li, Q.; Deng, Y.; Zhu, P.; Wang, D. url  openurl
  Title Roll-over behavior in current-voltage curve introduced by an energy barrier at the front contact in thin film CdTe solar cell Type Journal Article
  Year 2018 Publication Solar Energy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 165 Issue Pages 27-34  
  Keywords AlO HRT layer, Band alignment, CdTe solar cell, Roll-over behavior  
  Abstract Roll-over phenomenon in the current–voltage (J–V) curve is often observed in a CdTe thin film solar cell. The roll-over phenomenon, which is occurred near the open-circuit voltage in a light J–V curve, is due to Schottky energy barrier formed at the CdTe/metal interface in a CdTe solar cell back contact. In this study we report a J–V roll-over phenomenon which is induced by an energy barrier at the front contact of a CdTe solar cell. Two kinds of oxides, namely, Al2O3 and SnO2, were deposited as high-resistance transparent (HRT) layer between the window layer CdS and the fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) front electrode in CdTe solar cells. These two oxides present much different electronic band alignment with FTO and CdS. SnO2 formed almost no energy barrier with CdS, this allowed smooth transport for photo-generated electrons from CdTe to CdS and FTO. However, Al2O3 formed a high energy barrier with CdS. The rather high energy barrier with a value of 3.43 eV at the CdS/Al2O3 interface induced a J–V roll-over phenomenon in a CdTe thin film solar cell, which dramatically led to a quick decrease for the cell device efficiency. The electron transport at the FTO/Al2O3/CdS interface is governed by tunneling effect. The results presented in this study demonstrate that the band structure at the front electrode plays an important role for the performance of a CdTe thin film solar cell.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title (up)  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0038-092x ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ li_roll-over_2018 Serial 187  
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Author Ingham, E.S.; Cook, N.J.; Cliff, J.; Ciobanu, C.L.; Huddleston, A. url  openurl
  Title A combined chemical, isotopic and microstructural study of pyrite from roll-front uranium deposits, Lake Eyre Basin, South Australia Type Journal Article
  Year 2014 Publication Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 125 Issue Pages 440-465  
  Keywords  
  Abstract The common sulfide mineral pyrite is abundant throughout sedimentary uranium systems at Pepegoona, Pepegoona West and Pannikan, Lake Eyre Basin, South Australia. Combined chemical, isotopic and microstructural analysis of pyrite indicates variation in fluid composition, sulfur source and precipitation conditions during a protracted mineralization event. The results show the significant role played by pyrite as a metal scavenger and monitor of fluid changes in low-temperature hydrothermal systems. In-situ micrometer-scale sulfur isotope analyses of pyrite demonstrated broad-scale isotopic heterogeneity (δ34S=−43.9 to +32.4‰VCDT), indicative of complex, multi-faceted pyrite evolution, and sulfur derived from more than a single source. Preserved textures support this assertion and indicate a genetic model involving more than one phase of pyrite formation. Authigenic pyrite underwent prolonged evolution and recrystallization, evidenced by a genetic relationship between archetypal framboidal aggregates and pyrite euhedra. Secondary hydrothermal pyrite commonly displays hyper-enrichment of several trace elements (Mn, Co, Ni, As, Se, Mo, Sb, W and Tl) in ore-bearing horizons. Hydrothermal fluids of magmatic and meteoric origins supplied metals to the system but the geochemical signature of pyrite suggests a dominantly granitic source and also the influence of mafic rock types. Irregular variation in δ34S, coupled with oscillatory trace element zonation in secondary pyrite, is interpreted in terms of continuous variations in fluid composition and cycles of diagenetic recrystallization. A late-stage oxidizing fluid may have mobilized selenium from pre-existing pyrite. Subsequent restoration of reduced conditions within the aquifer caused ongoing pyrite re-crystallization and precipitation of selenium as native selenium. These results provide the first qualitative constraints on the formation mechanisms of the uranium deposits at Beverley North. Insights into depositional conditions and sources of both sulfide and uranium mineralization and an improved understanding of pyrite geochemistry can also underpin an effective vector for uranium exploration at Beverley North and other sedimentary systems of the Lake Eyre Basin, as well as in comparable geological environments elsewhere.  
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  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title (up)  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0016-7037 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ ingham_combined_2014 Serial 188  
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Author Bullock, L.A.; Parnell, J. url  openurl
  Title Selenium and molybdenum enrichment in uranium roll-front deposits of Wyoming and Colorado, USA Type Journal Article
  Year 2017 Publication Journal of Geochemical Exploration Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 180 Issue Pages 101-112  
  Keywords Molybdenum, Roll-fronts, Selenium, Tellurium, Uranium, Wyoming  
  Abstract Sandstone uranium (U) roll-front deposits of Wyoming and Colorado (USA) are important U resources, and may provide a terrestrial source for critical accessory elements, such as selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and tellurium (Te). Due to their associated toxicity, MoSeTe occurrences in roll-fronts should also be carefully monitored during U leaching and ore processing. While elevated MoSe concentrations in roll-fronts are well established, very little is known about Te occurrence in such deposits. This study aims to establish MoSeTe concentrations in Wyoming and Colorado roll-fronts, and assess the significance of these deposits in an environmental and mineral exploration context. Sampled roll-front deposits, produced by oxidized groundwater transportation through a sandstone, show high MoSe content in specific redox zones, and low Te, relative to crustal means. High Se concentrations (up to 168ppm) are restricted to a narrow band of alteration at the redox front. High Mo content (up to 115ppm) is typically associated with the reduced mineralized nose and seepage zones of the roll-front, ahead of the U orebody. Elevated trace element concentrations are likely sourced from proximal granitic intrusions, tuffaceous deposits, and local pyritic mudstones. Elevated MoSe content in the sampled roll fronts may be regarded as a contaminant in U in-situ recovery and leaching processing, and may pose an environmental threat in groundwaters and soils, so extraction should be carefully monitored. The identification of peak concentrations of MoSe can also act as a pathfinder for the redox front of a roll-front, and help to isolate the U orebody, particularly in the absence of gamma signatures.  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title (up)  
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  ISSN 0375-6742 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ bullock_selenium_2017 Serial 189  
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Author Kurmanseiit, M.B.; Tungatarova, M.S.; Royer, J.-J.; Aizhulov, D.Y.; Shayakhmetov, N.M.; Kaltayev, A. url  openurl
  Title Streamline-based reactive transport modeling of uranium mining during in-situ leaching: Advantages and drawbacks Type Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Hydrometallurgy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 220 Issue Pages 106107  
  Keywords 3D modeling, In-situ leaching, Reactive transport model, Streamlines, Uranium recovery  
  Abstract Reactive transport modeling is known to be computationally intensive when applied to 3D problems. Transforming sequential computing on the computer processor units (CPU) into parallelized computation on the high-performance parallel graphic processor units (GPU) is a classical approach to increasing computational performance. Another complementary approach is to decompose a complex 3D modeling problem into a set of simpler 1D problems using streamline approaches which can be easily parallelized, therefore reducing computation time. This paper investigates solutions to the equations governing dissolution and transport using streamlines coupled with a parallelization approach. In addition, an analytical solution to the dissolution and transfer equations of uranium describing the In-Situ Leaching (ISL) mining recovery is found using an approximation series to the 2nd order. The analytical solution is compared to the 1D numerical resolution along the streamlines and to the 3D simulation results superimposed on the streamline. Both approaches give similar results with a relative error of \textless2 % (2%). The proposed methodology is then applied to a case study in which the classical 3D resolution is compared to the newly suggested streamline solution, demonstrating that the streamline approach increases computational performances by a factor ranging from hundred to thousand depending on the complexity of the grid-block model.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-386x ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ kurmanseiit_streamline-based_2023 Serial 190  
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