Selective oxidation of uranium in situ leaching

This paper reports on O2, NcC103, H2O2, NaOCl and Ce+4 which have been examined as oxidants in an alkaline carbonate system for uranium in in-situ leaching. The South Texas and New Mexico ores contained up to 2.6 meq/g of reducing compounds which consume oxidants in the leading operation. Leaching rates did not increase linearly with the oxidation potential of the oxidants. A mild oxidant can be used to maximize uranium oxidation selectively and oxidant efficiency. O2 can oxidize most of the uranium mineral with an adequate rate and high oxidant efficiency