Uranium mining and milling in India: the Jaduguda (Jadugoda) plant produces which final concentrate as its saleable product (commonly referred to as yellowcake)?

Introduction / Context:
After uranium ore is mined, it is processed (milled) to produce a concentrated product called yellowcake, which is later refined and converted into reactor-grade materials. Indian uranium production historically includes the Jaduguda operation, an important source of domestic uranium concentrate.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Question refers to the final product leaving the extraction/milling site.
• Conventional hydrometallurgical processing is assumed.
• Naming conventions in Indian practice are followed.

Concept / Approach:

Yellowcake can be produced as different compounds depending on the process, such as ammonium diuranate (ADU), magnesium diuranate (MDU), or U3O8 after calcination. Historical Indian practice at Jaduguda has been associated with magnesium diuranate as the exported/transported concentrate, which is then refined further at other facilities.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Public domain descriptions of Indian uranium milling note production of diuranate concentrates (not metallic uranium) for transport and further processing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

uranium metal: Produced later in the fuel cycle, not at the mill. U3O8: While some mills calcine to U3O8, the question specifies Jaduguda's product as the diuranate form. uranium carbide: Fuel compound used in specific reactors, not a milling product. ammonium diuranate: Another yellowcake form, but not the one asked here.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming all yellowcake is U3O8; ignoring country-specific process chemistry and logistics.

Final Answer:

magnesium diuranate