Initial study on electrochemical leaching process of alkaline uranium ore

The electrochemical leaching process was developed to improve the slow oxidation velocity of uranium (IV) in the traditional alkaline leaching process. An electrochemical equipment was designed, and the factors in the electrochemical leaching were investigated, including electrolyte and electrode area. The electrochemical leaching mechanism is concluded as that the electron of uranium (IV) is seized by positive pole and oxidized fast when the ore particulate touches the positive pole. Under this electrochemical leaching process, the alkaline uranium leaching rate is more than 90%. (authors)