Ore to concentrates. A discussion of the processing of uranium bearing ores

The paper provides a broad background discussion of the principal activities in the production of uranium concentrates. Estimates of market require ments and uranium delivery commitments through 1985 are given. Generalized costs for exploration, development and mining of uranium ore in the United States are presented. The principal methods of ore processing for the recovery of uranium are described and their principal advantages and disadvantages are mentioned. Data on mill capital costs and operating costs are presented for the four principal processes used, and for the range of mill operating rates found in the United States. Labor productivity is also given for various milling rates. The conclusions are that all of the processes in use today are capable of producing uranium concentrates at reasonable and competitive costs. No one process has a clear economic advantage. As would be expected, larger mills show some advantages in terms of lower capital and operating costs. These advantages are not conclusive, however, and mills of modest size have been built and operated at competitive costs.