Process parametric study for the recovery of very-fine size uranium values on super-conducting high gradient magnetic separator

This paper discusses the application of super-conducting high gradient magnetic separator for the recovery of very-fine size uranium bearing mineral values present in the flotation tailings of an Indian copper ore. The U3O8 content of the tailings is 0.009%. The focus of this study is centered on determining the effect of various process variables like applied magnetic field, wool filling factor in the canister, wool diameter, loading capacity of the matrix, feed flow-rate and slurry pH on the recovery of uranium values in the magnetized matrix. The results indicate significant improvement in the recovery of <10 μm size uranium bearing particles, to the extent of 60–65% in SCHGMS as against mere 20% in other high intensity magnetic separators. The enrichment ratio of U3O8 values in the magnetic fraction was in the range of 2.2–2.5 only due to interference from other magnetic minerals.