Crud separation and SX optimization at Key Lake

The Key Lake mill processes a combination of high grade uranium ore and uranium-bearing mineralized waste from the McArthur River Mine. The mill uses solvent extraction for recovery and purification of uranium. Crud is an on-going challenge to all SX circuits. Technical personnel at the Key Lake mill have gained an understanding of the mineralogical and hydrometallurgical origin of this crud. Further, mill processes have been modified to reduce crud formation. Finally, on-going R&D is in progress to further reduce the impact that crud has on mill efficiency. These aspects will be presented in greater detail. (author)