The Steady Seepage Line Equation of Ionic Rare Earth Ore (IREO) In Situ Leached with Long Strip Bare Feet and Its Application

Yong Gui, Nana Li (), Sihai Luo and Guanshi Wang
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Yong Gui: School of Resources and Architecture Engineering, Gannan University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, China
Nana Li: School of Municipal and Ecological Engineering, Shanghai Urban Construction Vocational College, Shanghai 200438, China
Sihai Luo: School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Nanchang Hong Kong University, Nanchang 330063, China
Guanshi Wang: School of Architectural and Surveying & Mapping Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-14

Abstract: Without a reliable design method for the leaching and seepage step of in situ leaching (ISL), problems such as low comprehensive resource recovery rate and frequent geological disasters such as landslides are prominent. This study established a simplified “liquid injection-collection” plane model of ISL with a linear barefoot type rare earth mine as the research object. The steady seepage line equation was derived based on groundwater dynamics and the Dupuit assumption. Then, engineering verification and calculation error analysis were performed. The seepage line equation is expressed as a piecewise function, where the seepage line in the liquid injection area is the upper half of the ellipse line, and the one in the non-liquid injection area is a parabola. The calculation error increases along the flow field direction. The seepage gradient, bedrock gradient, liquid injection range, and relative permeability coefficient have limited influence on the calculation error of the equation. The seepage line equation can be fairly applied in ISL. The seepage line equation can provide a theoretical basis for the “prior prediction (design)” of the “liquid injection/collection” leaching and seepage process in ISL.

Keywords: in situ leaching of ionic rare earth ore (IREO); barefoot type mine; seepage law; groundwater level; leaching and seepage step (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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