Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange Applications in Africa's Resurging Uranium Industry: A Review

During the past five years, there has been a global resurgence in the processing of uranium. This is particularly evident on the African continent where exploration for uranium is booming, several plants are being commissioned, and many more projects are in the pipeline, mainly in Malawi, Namibia, Niger, South Africa, and Tanzania. This article reviews recent African uranium developments with a focus on solvent-extraction, ion-exchange, and resin-in-pulp processes. The essential chemistry is outlined, followed by discussions of process choices and selected flowsheets.