Zero Discharge of Liquid Effluents in Acid Uranium Ore Treatment, Process Development and Industrial Experience

Abstract

Conventional acid uranium ore treatment process has been modified by introduction of total recycling of liquid effluents, enabled by effective raffinate treatment process. Dry waste disposal was employed. Flowsheet and material balance of the process are given. The effectiveness of new system after 4 years industrial use was controlled and compaired with pilot plant data. Environmental impact is given and shows minimal influence of mill operation on the chemical composition of surface waters. It is considered that the process may be successfully retrofitted in existing operations.