Conversion services from uranium concentrates to UF4 and UF6
To supply reliable conversion services to our customers
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Conversion is a key step that gives the uranium features suited to enrichment process:
- the purity required
- the form of a gaseous chemical (uranium hexafluoride or UF6)
This is a key step for long-term security of supply.
Orano provides the conversion service to its customers, which generally retain ownership of their material. The uranium concentrate is converted in a two-stage process:
● the Malvési plant in Aude (France) purifies and transforms the uranium mine concentrate into uranium tetrafluoride (UF4). The annual installed capacity is approximately 15,000 metric tons. It also recovers its intermediate products and is currently building a UO2 powder production workshop for the needs of the group’s recycling activities;
● the Philippe Coste plant in Tricastin (France) then transforms the UF4 into uranium hexafluoride (UF6) through the addition of two more fluorine atoms. The fluorine used in this process is produced through electrolysis of anhydrous hydrofluoric acid.
The plant’s main equipment was commissioned at the end of 2018.
Backed by an unrivalled, integrated industrial platform and the world’s most modern facilities – the Philippe Coste conversion plant is recognized by the industry for its technical skills and processes at the forefront of innovation. The group has solid industrial assets to provide high added-value services to customers.On the strength of its unique integrated industrial platform and some of the most modern facilities in the world, with the Philippe Coste conversion plant and the Georges Besse II enrichment plant, Orano is recognized across the entire market for its technical skills and its processes at the cutting edge of innovation.
- Guaranteeing reliable, long-term security of supply
- Competitiveness
- Best processes and practices in terms of safety
- Minimum environmental footprint
