Objectives
To introduce students to occurrence, resources and the various aspects of the handling of uranium from the mining to the processing and subsequent application particularly for generation of energy. Safety issues and related public/international concerns will also be tackled during the course.
Learning outcome:
At the end of the course the student should be able to:
Appreciate the source and importance of uranium in energy generation
- Understand the process involved in the extraction of uranium
- Understand the potential hazards related to uranium
- Understand technical and social challenges surrounding application of uranium
Prerequisite: MP 331, MP 333
Mode of delivery: 2 hrs lecture + 1 hr tutorial (45 hours)
Assessment Mode: Course work (Home works, quizzes, tests) 40%
University Examination 60%
Course Contents:
The element Uranium (the chemistry behind, discovery), source of uranium (formation etc), major resources in the world and in Tanzania. Uranium as a source of energy (the science/chemistry behind, technological development, the history, the role of uranium in alleviating the world energy crisis). Extractive metallurgy of Uranium, handling of Uranium waste, associated potential hazards, public fears (real and imagined). International treaties governing extraction and processing of uranium,
Recommended Textbooks
Merritt, R. C. (1971) The extractive Metallurgy of Uranium. Colorado School of mines Research Institute: Johnson Publishing Co, Boulder, CO 576.
Weiss, N. L. (1985) SME Mineral Processing Handbook. New York: American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineer.