Uranium Ore Processing

The purpose of this publication is to update and expand the first edition, which was published in 1983, and to report on later advances in uranium ore processing. It includes background information about the principles of the unit operations used in uranium ore processing and summarizes the current state of the art. Extensive references provide sources for specific technological details.

The design, construction and operation of a pilot plant are often important stages in the development of a project for the production of uranium concentrates. The main purpose of this guidebook is to discuss the objectives of a pilot plant and its proper role in the overall project. Since building and operating a pilot plant is very costly, it is important that such a plant be built only after several prerequisites have been met. This book discusses the rationale for a pilot plant and provides guidelines with suggested solutions for a variety of problems that may be encountered.

The book emphasizes various aspects of processing secondary sources for recovery of uranium. The field of secondary resource processing is gaining ground over the last few years as it is eco-friendly, economical and in tune with the philosophy of sustainable development. The book is the first one of its type in the area and includes a succint and comprehensive description of related areas of ore mineralogy, resource classification, processing principles involved in uranium solubilisation followed by separation and safety aspects. The clear organisation and the carefully selected figures and tables makes the treatment invaluable for practising engineers, research workers and academic institutions.