VOLUME 19 (Supplement)

Integrated magnetic separation-flotation process for uranium preconcentration from Cu–Mo sulfidic and magnetite-bearing sample

With the rising energy demand and the gradual exhaustion of conventional energy sources, the Philippines is considering nuclear energy to address this challenge. In support of this goal, this study focuses on developing an integrated magnetic separation–flotation process for uranium preconcentration from a Cu–Mo sulfidic and magnetite-bearing sample. The process aims to upgrade the uranium content for potential yellowcake production, a raw material for nuclear fuels. Preconcentration is necessary to reduce the volume of material and increase the grade of the feed to be processed in the subsequent stages, which would lower reagent consumption and potentially improve recovery. The sample contains 13.5% Fe, 0.49% Mo, and 0.57% Cu based on ICP-OES analysis, and 244 ppm U using He mode ICP-QQQ. Ore microscopy and XRD analysis identified biotite, orthoclase, chalcopyrite, molybdenite, magnetite, and chlorite as the major mineral phases, with uraninite as the principal uranium-bearing mineral. Separate flotation and magnetic separation trials were conducted to develop an integrated process flowsheet. The process consists of comminution, flotation for copper and molybdenum sulfide recovery, and magnetic separation to separate magnetite and upgrade uranium content in the non-magnetic fraction. Flotation achieved recoveries of 76% for Cu and 79% for Mo in the concentrate, which may be further processed into marketable copper and molybdenum products, while uranium recovery reached 74% in the non-magnetic fraction. Overall, the integrated preconcentration achieved a concentration ratio of 1.7 and an enrichment ratio of 1.25, increasing uranium grade to 305 ppm. These results demonstrate effective volume reduction and uranium upgrading, confirming that the process produces a suitable feed for further leaching and purification toward yellowcake production.