Abstract:Column bioleaching of a low-grade uranium ore with a variety of spraying methods was carried out. The results show that the mixed culture of acidophilic microorganisms in use have a high adaptation to the uranium minerals, and the average uranium leaching rates are 87.70% and 88.53%, the acid consumption is 5.36% and 5.37% within 172 days, at 5% and 10% spraying condition, respectively. A bigger spray liquid quantity could increase uranium leaching rate at the bioleaching stage, however, the ratio of liquid to solid rises greatly as well, which resulted in a rise of cost for uranium recovery. Therefore, the optimum spray liquid quantity should be confirmed with a consideration of both uranium recovery and leaching cost.