uraniumlood

Uranium ore, or uranium lood in some languages, is a natural mineral or rock from which uranium can be extracted economically. The term refers to any ore with sufficiently high uranium content to justify mining and processing.

The best known uranium minerals include uraninite (also called pitchblende), coffinite, and phosphates such as autunite or carnotite. Deposits occur in different geological settings, including sandstone-hosted and hydrothermal deposits. Ore grades vary widely, from a few hundred parts per million to a few percent U3O8, depending on the deposit and mining method.

Mining and milling are the typical steps to convert ore into a usable uranium product. After extraction, ore is crushed and treated at a mill to concentrate the uranium, producing a product commonly referred to as yellowcake (primarily U3O8). Additional refining and conversion steps prepare the material for enrichment and fuel manufacturing. Depending on the deposit, processing may involve leaching, solvent extraction, and precipitation.

Uses and production are closely linked to the nuclear fuel cycle. The principal use of uranium from ore is as fuel for nuclear reactors after conversion and enrichment. Smaller amounts have applications in research and medical isotopes. Uranium-producing regions are spread globally, with major producers historically including countries in Asia, North America, and Africa; large producers include Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia.

Environmental and safety considerations are important in uranium mining. Uranium ore is radioactive and chemically hazardous, and mining and milling generate tailings and effluents that require containment, monitoring, and long-term stewardship. International and national regulations govern radiation protection, environmental protection, and decommissioning of facilities.