Two stage selective oxidative leach method to separately recover uranium and refractory uranium-mineral complexes

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of uranium and other minerals from uranium ore where at least part of the uranium is present as refractory uranium-mineral complexes, comprising subjecting the uranium ore to mild oxidative carbonate leach fluid to dissolve and remove readily soluble uranium minerals, subsequently subjecting the uranium ore to an oxidative chemically severe leaching system to dissolve and remove the refractory uranium-mineral complexes, and separating and recovering the uranium and other mineral species in the leachate fluids. The process may be applied to in-situ uranium leaching operations or to surface leaching operations.