Column flotation of uranium from Elliot Lake ore

Abstract

This report describes investigations using the column flotation cell on an Elliot Lake ore sample. Results obtained from conducting exploratory tests followed by a statistically designed series of tests involving six operating variables using a two-inch-diameter column cell are given. On deslimed uranium ore, a recovery of 90 per cent with a concentration ratio of 3.0 was obtained. These results are similar to those obtained using conventional cells in previous studies. On un-deslimed ore, recoveries in the order of 80 per cent, and concentration ratios ranging from 4.7 to 8.3 were made. These concentration ratios are higher than can be obtained by conventional cells, but the recoveries are lower.