New Process for Natural Uranium By-product Preparation in Uranium Refining Operations

Abstract

Cameco Corporation's conversion operations are located in Ontario, Canada with a uranium refinery located in Blind River. The refinery produces commercial natural uranium trioxide(UO₃) from uranium ore concentrate (UOC) which is received from mines throughout the world. The UO₃ product is transported by road in bulk containers to the conversion facility in Port Hope for processing to ceramic grade uranium dioxide (UO₂) to supply CANDU fuel customers, or to uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) for the light water reactor fuel cycle.