Comparison of different extraction concepts for the recovery of uranium from seawater

Four different extraction concepts, all using a fluidized bed sorption system, are compared from an economics view point. The different recovery concepts consist of a floating current driven system moored in a natural ocean current, a system which is indirectly driven by the motion of the extraction unit through the sea, and two actively pumped ship concepts where the seawater is driven through the system by means of mechanical pumps. The study shows that the result of the comparison depends very much on the correct assessment of the capital investment costs. It indicates further that the energy savings for the current driven concept probably cannot compensate for the additional investment of the mooring system. With the best concept, and todays sorbers of higher density, production costs below 200 $/1b U3O8 may be achieved. (author)