The leading researchers of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) who created a green technology to extract high purity uranium of up to 95% from a solution containing several metals are (from left) Oh Maengkyo, Eun Heechul and Jung Junyoung. (KAERI)
By Koh Hyunjeong
A domestic think tank has developed an eco-friendly and highly efficient method of uranium extraction that reduces waste.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on Sept. 10 said it has applied for a domestic patent for the technology, which extracts high purity uranium of up to 95% using a precipitation reaction from a solution containing several metals.
Led by Eun Heechul, the research team at KAERI’s Radioactive Waste Management Group discovered conditions for selective reaction with uranium by using specific nitrogen compounds. Under these conditions, the researchers developed a technology to effectively precipitate uranium by adding nitrogen compounds and hydrogen peroxide to a uranium solution.
Processing using the KAERI-developed technology allows extraction of high purity uranium of up to 95%, the world’s highest level and exceeding the 75%-85% pure uranium extracted through conventional multi-stage complex processes.
Major environmental and economic effects are expected from this breakthrough, as it can collect and recycle uranium in radioactive waste and process the remainder as general waste.
If used in the treatment of waste liquid generated during the decontamination of uranium-contaminated soil and materials, the method is expected to reduce secondary waste more than 50% and slash waste treatment costs.
Launched in 2021 with the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT, the study resulted in its team applying for a domestic patent in July. Applications for patents in major uranium-producing countries will follow.
“This is the world’s best uranium extraction technology that will usher in revolutionary winds of change in uranium refining,” said Kim Tackjin, head of KAERI’s radioactive waste management center. “We will enter the global uranium market and help stabilize domestic supply and demand of uranium.”
hjkoh@korea.kr
