In the debate over nuclear power versus conventional coal-burning sources, nuclear proponents often note that the ash from coal also contains radioactive elements like thorium and uranium.
Sparton Resources, a Canadian-based company, is investigating the recovery of uranium from waste coal ash at thermal power stations in China.Sparton has signed an agreement with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), the authority that runs the country’s nuclear-power stations, to recover uranium from coal ash at a site in Lincang, in Yunnan province. Removing the radioactive elements from various forms of waste has positive environmental impact.
The technique could provide new fuel sources for non-greenhouse gas producing energy, and may also provide recycled ingredients for cement, concrete or other fillers.
The company is currently conducting studies and bulk sampling of the ash. Sparton believes it can make a profit from recovering the uranium, which is leached from the ash using acids and water to create a slurry. The dissolved uranium is then extracted from the solution. Sparton is the only company authorized to extract secondary uranium in China.
source: buildaroo.com
