Processing Of The Xenotime Concentrate Of South Western Sinai Via Alkali Fusion And Solvent Extraction

A xenotime concentrate prepared by flotation from Sarabit El-Khadem ferruginous sandstone of south western Sinai (55.4% RE₂O₃ and 0.9% U₃O₈) was subjected to processing via alkali fusion using NaOH under different conditions. The obtained oxide cake of REE and U was dissolved in sulfuric acid followed by separation of REE as oxalates. Extraction of uranium from the REE-free sulfate solution was then studied using trioctylamine in kerosene. The relevant conditions of both the alkali fusion of the concentrate as well as those of uranium recovery through the tertiary octylamine have been optimized. Three important products were obtained; RE₂O₃, Na₂U₂O₇ and Na₃PO₄. The last can be used as fertilizer.