Solvent extraction of uranium in the presence of chloride

摘要

Uranium is commonly extracted from ores by leaching in sulfuric acid. The resultant leach solutions are treated by solvent extraction to purify and concentrate the uranium. Tertiary amines are used extensively for this purpose because of good selectivity towards uranium. The presence of chloride at relatively high levels has a deleterious effect on uranium extraction. In Australia, the issue of chloride is important because of the high salinity bore water frequently used as process water in remote areas. This problem can be exacerbated with recycling of process waters.