Review of recent developments in uranium extraction technology

Abstract

Developments in uranium ore processing technology since the AAEC Symposium on Uranium Processing in July 1972 are reviewed. The main developments include the use of: - autogenous or semi-autogenous grinding, - benefication techniques such as radiometric sorting, flotation, magnetic and gravity separation, - strong acid and ferric bacterial leaching processes, - solution mining and heap leaching operations - horizontal belt filters for solid-liquid separation, - continuous ion exchange processes for use with solutions containing up to 8wt % solids, - hydrogen peroxide and ammonia for the precipitation of uranium to improve product yield and purity, and - the recovery of by-product uranium from the manufacture of phosphoric acid and copper processing operations.