BY THE MINISTER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

N.D. 36

SYMPOSIUM ON UhANIUM PROCESSING

Uranium processing is being discussed at a symposium  being held by the Atomic Energy Commission at its Lucas Heights

Research Establishment on Thursday and Friday, 20 and 21 July, ’

The Minister for National Development (Sir Reginald Swartz) said  that the meeting would review and discuss technical trends and  developments,  to assist those planning the mining and processing  of uranium ores in Australia.

Of the 140 participants,  Sir Reginald said that about  100 were from industry. The remainder were from Commonwealth

and State departments, the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial  and Research Organization, and the Atomic Energy Commission.

"This symposium has special significance in view of the importance  of uranium discoveries, particularly in the Alligator Rivers

field of the Northern Territory, and of the expected growth of  the uranium industryÂ·in the next decade."

On the first day, a review will be given of world trends  in the growth of nuclear power, and the corresponding demand for  uranium. This will be followed by a series of technical sessions

dealing with ore processing at the minesite to produce uranium  oxide concentrate,"yellowcake".

Proceedings on the second day will deal with the  technology, and economics of conversion in Australia of yellowcake  to the compound uranium hexafluoride.  This is the feed material  for uranium enrichment plants. .  .

The symposium will close with a general discussion of  matters of concern to the industry. Participants will inspect

Commission work on uranium processing, the characterisation of

mineral structures in Australian ores, radioisotope techniques

for on-stream analysis of ores and slurries,  borehole logging,  and fabrication of nuclear fuel.

CANBERRA.

19 July, 1972.

