Sorption-extraction processes in uranium hydrometallurgy: Coextraction of valuable components and dual-purpose technology

Sorption-extraction processes for obtaining finished coproducts during proc essing of uranium ores with valuable components, such as Mo, V, W, Re, Au, Sc, rare-earth elements, Y, Cs, Cu, Ta, Nb, Zr, Hf, Mn, Sn, and Se, are des cribed. Special attention is focused on experience in extraction decontamin ation of phosphoric acid with its uranium and thorium content decreased by a factor of 20 and obtaining front it ecologically pure phosphate fertilize rs and feed phosphates. Data are generalized for three variants of profitable coproduction of the f inal products: sorption and desorption of valuable components together with uranium and separation of the extracted components at the extraction refin ing stage; sorption of variable components together with uranium and separa tion of the components at the desorption stage; separate sorption extractio n of uranium and valuable components on selective arid highly concentrating ionites. 1, figure.