Michelin uranium project, Labrador, Canada: Metallurgical test work, economic studies, and process design

CIM Journal, Vol. 3, No. 2, 2012

J. R. Goode, J. A. Brown

Aurora Energy Ltd. is considering a 10,000 t/d process plant to produce 97 million lb (43,998,460 kg) of U3O8 over a 17-year project from uranium deposits in coastal Labrador. This paper summarizes the test work, mostly done by SGS Mineral Services in Lakefield, Ontario, and the economic studies supporting flowsheet selection. The proposed flowsheet includes semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) and ball milling, acid leaching using air/SO2 as an oxidant, and resin-in-pulp (RIP) extraction of uranium from the leached slurry. Other unit operations examined include ore sorting, heap leaching, liquid- solid separation, solvent extraction, and nanofiltration for eluate upgrading. We also review the extensive environmental test work and studies that were completed.

Keywords: Uranium, Extraction, RIP, Resin-in-pulp, Michelin, Labrador, Testwork, Pilot plant, Air/SO2 oxidant, LAIX