Process for the hot oxidized attack on a uraniferous ore by a concentrated alkaline liquor with simultaneous uranium precipitation

A continuous process for attack of uraniferous ore for the recovery of uranium values comprising

• (a) attacking the uraniferous ore in divided form by means of an attack liquor of alkaline carbonate and bicarbonate and uranium in a concentration close to its limit of solubility and at a temperature within the range of 40.degree.-300.degree. C., in the presence of an oxidizing agent for dissolution of uranium values present in the ore,
• (b) directing the suspension resulting from the attack on the uraniferous ore of step (a) to another vessel,
• (c) cooling the suspension to a temperature which does not go below 40.degree. C. to divide the suspension into a solid phase containing the uranium values and sterile material and a liquid phase,
• (d) separating the solid phase from the liquid phase of the suspension of step (c),
• (e) treating the separated solid phase with an aqueous liquor to redissolve the uranium values and to recover the liquid phase entrained with the separated solid material, and
• (f) separating the slurry from step (e) into a solid sterile material and a useful uraniferous liquor from which the uranium values may be recovered.