is the preferred form for storage and transport because it does not oxidize easily. It represents the standard "raw material" stage of the nuclear industry; when market analysts discuss "uranium prices," they are almost always referring to the price per pound of U3O8cap U sub 3 cap O sub 8 Processing and Conversion U3O8cap U sub 3 cap O sub 8
that makes it a tradable and usable commodity. After uranium ore is mined, it undergoes a milling process where it is chemically leached—typically using acid or alkaline solutions—to separate the uranium from the surrounding rock. The resulting concentrate is U3O8cap U sub 3 cap O sub 8 is the preferred form for storage and transport
: The powder is converted into uranium hexafluoride ( UF6cap U cap F sub 6 ), a gas used in the enrichment process. Enrichment : The concentration of the fissile isotope is increased. The resulting concentrate is U3O8cap U sub 3
