Winning uranium for French reactors

The state owned nuclear fuel cycle company Cogema mines uranium in three districts in France, at La Crouzille, Le Forez, and in the Vendee. Operations in these areas are described. Progress in obtaining uranium from phosphate rock is summarized. The most economical method is as a by-product from phosphoric acid production. A plant for the process at Grand Couronne has produced a nominal yield of 0.5e te uranium per annum. Problems encountered in the process are discussed. (U.K.)