Method of recovering uranium and/or rare earths by solvent extraction

Uranium and rare earths can be recovered from the phosphate raw material for the manufacture of fertilizers. The phosphate raw material is dissolved in nitric acid. Uranium and rare earths are extracted from this aqueous phase using an organophosphorus extraction agent, such as TBF. Re-extraction is carried out using water, aqueous solutions of electrolytes or complex-forming agents. Examples are presented showing the exact conditions for solvent extraction of uranium and rare earths. (E.J.)