In-Situ Leaching
FEco grade
Upstream2 facilities tracked
Ammonium sulphate or ammonium bicarbonate solution is applied directly to ionic clay deposits in the ground without any liner, containment, or water treatment. The leachate percolates through the ore body and is collected via open drainage channels. Used at artisanal and informal operations across Myanmar and parts of southern China.
Ratings
Capital Outlay$ Low
Technical DifficultyLow
Geopolitical SensitivityExtreme
Energy Intensity⚡ Low
Environmental Footprint🍂🍂🍂 F - Highest environmental impact
Value Add1x-2x
Technical MoatLow
Material Flow
INIonic Clay Ore (in-situ)
OUTREE-bearing Leachate / Crude Concentrate
Key Reagents / Inputs
- Ammonium sulphate
- Ammonium bicarbonate
Waste Outputs
- Ammonium-contaminated groundwater
- Acid mine drainage
- Uncontained leachate plumes
- Heavy metal-bearing tailings slurry
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Technical Moat
LowNo technical moat. Simple chemistry applied at scale with zero engineering controls. The barrier to entry is physical access to the ore body, not any technical capability.
