Nuclear fuel cycle
FROM MINERAL TO METAL OF THE FUTURE
he nuclear fuel cycle is a series of processes for
generating electricity from uranium in nuclear
reactors. It begins with uranium mining and ends
with used fuel reprocessing and recycling or
disposal. The ‘front end’ of the cycle involves the
preparation of uranium through mining, milling,
conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication. The
reactor cycle, lasting about three years, produces
electricity. The ‘back end’ includes temporary
storage, reprocessing, recycling and re-usage of
spent fuel before disposal, forming a full cycle if
reprocessing is included.
Omasa
Omasa is the newsletter for the Etango Uranium Project managed by the
is the newsletter for the Etango Uranium Project managed by the
following companies:
following companies:
The mined uranium ore is crushed and chemically treated
to extract uranium from the ore. This process leaves us with
yellowcake, the powder form of uranium oxide U3O8.
Mining and Milling
Natural uranium only contains 0.71% of Uranium-235, the
isotope that maintains a nuclear reactor’s chain reaction. To
increase the concentration of U-235 the yellowcake must be
converted into uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gas, a form suitable
for enrichment .
Conversion
Controlled fission or splitting of U-235 atoms, generates heat.
The heat produces steam at extremely high temperatures
and pressure, and the steam then spins a turbine to generate
electricity. Nuclear fuel is typically used in the reactor for 3-5 years.
Power plant
Used fuel still contains about 96% of its original uranium and
can be reprocessed and reused in the reactor to reduce waste
and produce more energy. Spent fuel and waste from the
nuclear fuel cycle can be safely disposed of deep underground,
in stable rock formations.
Reprocessing and recycling
We want to hear from you!
Omasa
Omasa intends to keep you informed about progress on the Etango Uranium
intends to keep you informed about progress on the Etango Uranium
Project, its people and its activities. What else would you like to read more
Project, its people and its activities. What else would you like to read more
about? Send your comments, compliments and suggestions to:
about? Send your comments, compliments and suggestions to:
Emma Culver: newsletters@bmnenergy.com.
BANNERMAN
MINING RESOURCES NAMIBIA
12
BANNERMAN ENERGY | AUG 2024
Editorial team: Gavin Chamberlain, Emma Culver
Gavin Chamberlain, Emma Culver
Production: Words’Worth
Words’Worth
This enriched UF6 is converted to uranium dioxide powder
and formed into small solid, cylindrical pellets. These pellets
are packed in long metal tubes which are grouped in ‘fuel
assemblies’.
Fuel fabrication
UF6 gas is introduced into fast- spinning cylinders, known as
centrifuges, where heavier Isotopes are pushed out to the
cylinder walls.
Enrichment
The nuclear fuel cycle
explained