Method for extracting scandium from uranium-bearing ores

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of hydrometallurgy, in particular to methods for processing uranium-containing ores, and can be used in the extraction of scandium as a valuable by-product in the processes of underground and heap leaching of uranium, as well as in the processing of process solutions from uranium production. The proposed method can be used at mining and metallurgical enterprises specializing in the extraction and processing of uranium raw materials, as well as in the complex processing of mineral raw materials with the extraction of rare and rare earth elements. The objective of the utility model is to develop a method for extracting scandium from uranium-containing ores, ensuring an increase in the degree of scandium extraction due to a more complete involvement of both readily soluble (epigenetic) and poorly soluble (syngenetic) forms of scandium, as well as the intensification of the leaching process while maintaining technological simplicity and the possibility of using circulating solutions. The technical result of the utility model is to increase the degree of scandium extraction from uranium-containing ores by carrying out the leaching process in two successive stages with different concentrations of sulfuric acid, which ensures the selective extraction of first readily soluble and then poorly soluble forms of scandium, as well as increasing the efficiency of using the leaching reagent by using the mother uranium sorption solution with its additional strengthening with sulfuric acid and conducting the process in a cyclic mode. The technical result is achieved by a method for extracting scandium from uranium-containing ores, including sulfuric acid leaching with mixing in a cyclic mode with the return of the solution, in which the leaching reagent is a mother solution of uranium sorption, further strengthened with sulfuric acid, followed by filtration of the pulp after the completion of the leaching process. According to the utility model, leaching is carried out in two successive stages at a solid:liquid ratio of 1:2-1:3, wherein at the first stage leaching is carried out at a sulfuric acid concentration of 16-20 g / dm3 for 3.5-4 hours to extract predominantly readily soluble forms of scandium, after which the resulting solid residue is separated and subjected to a second stage of leaching, which is carried out at an increased sulfuric acid concentration of 20-50 g / dm3 also for 3.5-4 hours.