EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE ON THE ALKALINE LEACHING BEHAVIOR OF LOW–GRADE URANIUM ORE

11th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM2011, www.sgem.org, SGEM2011 Conference Proceedings/ ISSN 1314-2704, June 20-25, 2011, Vol. 1, 1131-1138 pp

ABSTRACT

A detailed study has been conducted to investigate the leaching behavior of low-grade
secondary type, uranium minerals under alkaline conditions. Uranium mapping analysis
indicated the significance of each particle size to the leaching process. Owed to its
significance, particle size effects were examined by two different experimental
schemes: classical plate agitation and bottle roll testing. Other influencing variables
such as agitation time and concentration of used lixiviants, were also considered.
Results showed an obvious increase in recovery with time, however this trend was far
from being linear. Conversely, differences in particle dimensions indicated a more
involved phenomena.

Keywords: uranium, leaching, low-grade uranium, alkaline leaching