Processing of the xenotime concentrate of Southwestern Sinai via alkali fusion and solvent extraction

• Chemical characterization of the xenotime flotation concentrate
• Studying the optimum conditions for alkali fusion of xenotime concentrate
• Extraction of REEs using direct precipitation technique from the prepared liquor
• Extraction of U from REEs-free leach liquor using solvent extraction technique

A xenotime flotation concentrate prepared from Sarabit El Khadem ferruginous sandstone of Southwestern Sinai (55.4% RE2O3 and 0.9% U3O8) is subjected to processing via alkali fusion using NaOH under different conditions. The obtained oxide cake of REEs and U was dissolved in sulfuric acid followed by separation of REEs as oxalates. Extraction of uranium from the REE-free sulfate solution was then studied using trioctylamine in kerosene. The relevant conditions of both the alkali fusion of the concentrate as well as those of uranium recovery through the tertiary octylamine have been optimized. Highly pure products of the REEs and U have been prepared and subjected to an ESEM qualitative analysis.