Extraction of uranium oxide in the Witwatersrand

In its early years, uranium oxide extraction from sludges from cyanide leaching from which the gold had been removed, which was begun at Witwatersrand in 1952, was a big success and brought about good economic results. In the sixties, however, limitation and rationalisation of the production was necessary due to lower demand and falling prices. The increasing demand for uranium oxide as an initial material for nuclear power generation, a result of the energy crisis, has started a new surge in uranium production at Witwatersrand in the last few years. Due to higher prices, the economic situation has also improved. Two large plants are now being erected to enhance production, the first production target being about 6,000 t U3O8 per year. (orig.)