There are numerous Iron Oxide Copper Gold Ore (IOCG) deposits that contain uranium. In some cases, uranium is present in significant concentrations which enables it to be economically recovered as a by-product of copper concentrates. However, uranium can also be present in lesser concentrations such that it is uneconomic to recover but it still may need to be removed as it could pose a health and regulatory issue in copper concentrate transportation and smelting.Currently, there are several technologies that are either available or in development which address the removal or recovery of uranium from copper concentrates. These technologies minimize the loss of the primary value metals (e.g. copper, gold, silver etc) and assure that the overall environmental footprint is appropriately addressed. In some of these technologies, there is also the added advantage of a copper upgrade in the concentrate. This paper discusses the hydrometallurgical technologies that have been or are employed for the removal of uranium from copper concentrates and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
展开▼
