Test procedures for the metallurgical evaluation of uranium ores

The results of metallurgical test work are the basis for the feasibility study, which in turn is mandatory before an investment decision for a uranium project can be made. Sensitive areas for optimizing the process route are defined during the technical and economic evaluation of the milling process. Test methods, procedures, equipment and evaluation of test results with a microcomputer for the following steps of ore dressing are described in the paper: mineralogical and chemical analyses; crushing and grinding of ore; sorting and preconcentration of ore; leaching methods and reagent demand; solid-liquid separation; purification and enrichment of uranium leach solutions; uranium precipitation and product quality; waste management and effluent treatment; restrictions to process selection by the infrastructure. In addition to investigation methods for conventional ores, investigation of methods for ores from unconformity related deposits is discussed. (author). 16 refs, 3 figs, 3 tabs