Uranium mining - Revision history

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2021-10-18T16:14:41Z

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energy>Luisa at 15:34, 16 October 2021

2021-10-16T15:34:22Z

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	[[Category: Translated to French]]		[[Category: Translated to French]]
	[[fr:Exploitation de l'uranium]]		[[fr:Exploitation de l'uranium]]
			[[Category:Translated to Spanish]]
			[[es:Minería del uranio]]
	[[File:openpit.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Figure 1. Open pit uranium mine in Namibia.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Arandis_Mine_quer.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:openpit.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Figure 1. Open pit uranium mine in Namibia.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Arandis_Mine_quer.jpg</ref>]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Uranium mining''' is the process of retrieving [[uranium]] from deposits for use in [[nuclear reactor]]s to generate [[electricity]]. Uranium is also used for the important task of producing medical [[isotope]]s.</onlyinclude><ref name=wno>World Nuclear Association. (June 16 2015). ''Uranium Mining Overview'' [Online]. Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Mining-of-Uranium/Uranium-Mining-Overview/</ref>		<onlyinclude>'''Uranium mining''' is the process of retrieving [[uranium]] from deposits for use in [[nuclear reactor]]s to generate [[electricity]]. Uranium is also used for the important task of producing medical [[isotope]]s.</onlyinclude><ref name=wno>World Nuclear Association. (June 16 2015). ''Uranium Mining Overview'' [Online]. Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Mining-of-Uranium/Uranium-Mining-Overview/</ref>

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2021-09-27T00:02:53Z

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energy>Ethan.boechler at 18:02, 10 September 2021

2021-09-10T18:02:22Z

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	[[Category:Done 2018-12-10]]		[[Category:Done 2018-12-10]]
	[[Category: Rudi grade Ashley edit]]		[[Category: Rudi grade Ashley edit]]
			[[Category: Translated to French]]
			[[fr:Exploitation de l'uranium]]
	[[File:openpit.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Figure 1. Open pit uranium mine in Namibia.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Arandis_Mine_quer.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:openpit.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Figure 1. Open pit uranium mine in Namibia.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Arandis_Mine_quer.jpg</ref>]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Uranium mining''' is the process of retrieving [[uranium]] from deposits for use in [[nuclear reactor]]s to generate [[electricity]]. Uranium is also used for the important task of producing medical [[isotope]]s.</onlyinclude><ref name=wno>World Nuclear Association. (June 16 2015). ''Uranium Mining Overview'' [Online]. Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Mining-of-Uranium/Uranium-Mining-Overview/</ref>		<onlyinclude>'''Uranium mining''' is the process of retrieving [[uranium]] from deposits for use in [[nuclear reactor]]s to generate [[electricity]]. Uranium is also used for the important task of producing medical [[isotope]]s.</onlyinclude><ref name=wno>World Nuclear Association. (June 16 2015). ''Uranium Mining Overview'' [Online]. Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Mining-of-Uranium/Uranium-Mining-Overview/</ref>

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

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2dev>Jmdonev at 13:33, 11 November 2018

2018-11-11T13:33:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:33, 11 November 2018
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	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-07-24]]		[[Category:Done 2018-12-10]]
			[[Category: Rudi grade Ashley edit]]
	[[File:openpit.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Figure 1. Open pit uranium mine in Namibia.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Arandis_Mine_quer.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:openpit.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Figure 1. Open pit uranium mine in Namibia.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Arandis_Mine_quer.jpg</ref>]]

	<onlyinclude>'''Uranium mining''' is the process of retrieving [[uranium]] from deposits for use in [[nuclear reactor]]s to generate [[electricity]]. Uranium is also used for the important task of producing medical [[isotope]]s.</onlyinclude><ref name=wno>World Nuclear Association. (June 16 2015). ''Uranium Mining Overview'' [Online]. Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Mining-of-Uranium/Uranium-Mining-Overview/</ref>		<onlyinclude>'''Uranium mining''' is the process of retrieving [[uranium]] from deposits for use in [[nuclear reactor]]s to generate [[electricity]]. Uranium is also used for the important task of producing medical [[isotope]]s.</onlyinclude><ref name=wno>World Nuclear Association. (June 16 2015). ''Uranium Mining Overview'' [Online]. Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Mining-of-Uranium/Uranium-Mining-Overview/</ref>

	Uranium is not a rare element on Earth, occurring in 2.8 parts per million in the [[cross section of the Earth\|Earth's crust]], and occurs in fairly large quantities in various geological settings. Uranium mines operate in 20 countries, however 85% of the world supply of uranium came from just 6 countries in 2011. These countries are Canada, Australia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Niger, and Namibia.<ref name=wno/> In the world's mines, the average abundance of uranium is 0.10%, or 1000 parts per million. However in Canada, some mines have huge amounts of ore up to 20% U ~~average grade~~.<ref name=wno/>		Uranium is not a rare element on Earth, occurring in 2.8 [[parts per million]] in the [[cross section of the Earth\|Earth's crust]], and occurs in fairly large quantities in various geological settings. Uranium mines operate in 20 countries, however 85% of the world supply of uranium came from just six countries in 2011. These countries are Canada, Australia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Niger, and Namibia.<ref name=wno/> In the world's mines, the average abundance of uranium is 0.10%, or 1000 parts per million. However in Canada, some mines have huge amounts of ore that have an average grade of up to 20% U.<ref name=wno/>

	Canada is the ~~2<sup>nd</sup>~~ largest producer of uranium ~~next to~~ Kazakhstan, producing 15% of the worlds uranium in 2012. Around 85% of Canada's uranium is exported, with the remainder used in [[CANDU reactor]]s in eastern Canada.<ref>NRCAN. (June 16 2015). ''About Uranium'' [Online]. Available: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/uranium-nuclear/7695</ref>		Canada is the second largest producer of uranium after Kazakhstan, producing 15% of the worlds uranium in 2012. Around 85% of Canada's uranium is exported, with the remainder used in [[CANDU reactor]]s in eastern Canada.<ref>NRCAN. (June 16 2015). ''About Uranium'' [Online]. Available: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/uranium-nuclear/7695</ref>

	==Mining==		==Mining==
	In general, uranium mining is ~~no different from~~ other kinds of mining unless the ore is very high grade. In this case special mining techniques are used to limit worker [[radiation exposure]] and to ensure the safety of the [[environment]] and general public.<ref name=wno/> Depending on the deposit, uranium is mined in one of three ways:<ref name=cam>Cameco. (June 16 2015). ''Obtaining the Ore'' [Online]. Available: http://www.cameco.com/uranium_101/mining-milling/mining/</ref> ~~Open~~ pit, underground, or [[in situ]] recovery.		In general, uranium mining is relatively similar to other kinds of mining unless the ore is very high grade. In this case, special mining techniques are used to limit worker [[radiation exposure]] and to ensure the safety of the [[environment]] and general public.<ref name=wno/> Depending on the deposit, uranium is mined in one of three ways:<ref name=cam>Cameco. (June 16 2015). ''Obtaining the Ore'' [Online]. Available: http://www.cameco.com/uranium_101/mining-milling/mining/</ref> open pit, underground, or [[in situ]] recovery.

	===Open pit===		===Open pit===

	When uranium is found near the surface - usually no more than 100 [[meter]]s deep - it can be extracted via open pit mining.		When uranium is found near the surface - usually no more than 100 [[meter]]s deep - it can be extracted via open pit mining. In this method, soil and waste rock is removed by heavy equipment, allowing the ore to be accessed. The mines are carved out into sections called benches so that they can be mined methodically and safely.<ref name=cam/> Holes are drilled into the benches and loaded with explosives; they detonate, breaking up the rock and exposing the uranium. The uranium is then loaded onto trucks and shipped to a processing plant.

	In this method, soil and waste rock is removed by ~~trucks and tractors~~, allowing the ore to be accessed. The mines are carved out into sections called benches so they ~~will not collapse~~.<ref name=cam/> Holes are drilled into the benches and loaded with explosives; they detonate, breaking up the rock and exposing the uranium. The uranium is then loaded onto trucks and shipped to a processing plant.

	===Underground===		===Underground===

	For mines ~~over~~ 100 m below the surface, it is impractical to use open pits. If the quality and amount of uranium is sufficient, underground mines will be established.The first step is to dig large vertical underground shafts to the depths of the ore. Once this is done, horizontal tunnels, ramps and chambers are built, ~~which allow~~ for the mining of uranium. There are different techniques to obtain the uranium at this point.		For mines more than 100 m below the surface, it is impractical to use open pits. If the quality and amount of uranium is sufficient, underground mines will be established.The first step is to dig large vertical underground shafts to the depths of the ore. Once this is done, horizontal tunnels, ramps, and chambers are built, allowing for the mining of uranium. There are different techniques to obtain the uranium at this point.

	The '''[[raisebore mining ~~method~~]]''' is used at the McArthur river mine in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, which is the largest producer of uranium in the world. This method uses a revolving tool which digs into the uranium deposit, and breaks up the uranium which falls into a truck below. [[Raisebore mining ~~method~~\|Click here]] to see how the ~~raisebore~~ method works.		The '''[[raisebore mining]]''' method is used at the McArthur river mine in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, which is the largest producer of uranium in the world. This method uses a revolving tool which digs into the uranium deposit, and breaks up the uranium which falls into a truck below. [[Raisebore mining\|Click here]] to see how the raise bore method works.

	Another method is ~~the~~ '''[[jet-bore mining ~~method~~]]''', which uses [[pressure\|pressurized water]] to remove ore, which can then be process and pumped to the surface. [[Jet-bore mining ~~method~~\|Click here]] to see how this method works.		Another method is '''[[jet bore mining]]''', which uses [[pressure\|pressurized water]] to remove ore, which can then be process and pumped to the surface. [[Jet bore mining\|Click here]] to see how this method works.

	[[File:undergroundmcarthur.jpg\|800px\|center\|thumb\|Figure 2. McArthur river underground mine in Canada, the world's largest producer of uranium.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/McArthur_River_Uranium_Mine.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:undergroundmcarthur.jpg\|800px\|center\|thumb\|Figure 2. McArthur river underground mine in Canada, the world's largest producer of uranium.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/McArthur_River_Uranium_Mine.jpg</ref>]]
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	===In situ recovery (ISR)===		===In situ recovery (ISR)===

	In this method, the ore is fairly deep underground so it cannot be mined with open pits, and there may be ~~beneficial~~ factors which make it more practical than other underground mining. A reason for its use is that it leaves very little environmental disturbance at the surface.<ref name=cam/> Dissolving solutions are pumped to the uranium underground which allows the uranium to flow through a system of wells to the ground above where it can be processed. [[In situ uranium mining\|Click here]] to see how the in situ recovery process for uranium works.		In this method, the ore is fairly deep underground so it cannot be mined with open pits, and there may be other factors which make it more practical than other underground mining methods. A reason for its use is that it leaves very little environmental disturbance at the ground surface level.<ref name=cam/> Dissolving solutions are pumped to the uranium underground which allows the uranium to flow through a system of wells to the ground above where it can be processed. [[In situ uranium mining\|Click here]] to see how the in situ recovery process for uranium works.

			==For Further Reading==
			*[[Uranium]]
			*[[Mining]]
			*[[Jet bore mining]]
			*[[Raisebore mining]]
			*[[In situ uranium mining]]
			*Or explore a [[Special:Random\|random page]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:31:47Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:31, 26 August 2015
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J.williams at 17:00, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T17:00:27Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-07-24]]
[[File:openpit.jpg|300px|thumb|Figure 1. Open pit uranium mine in Namibia.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Arandis_Mine_quer.jpg</ref>]]

<onlyinclude>'''Uranium mining''' is the process of retrieving [[uranium]] from deposits for use in [[nuclear reactor]]s to generate [[electricity]]. Uranium is also used for the important task of producing medical [[isotope]]s.</onlyinclude><ref name=wno>World Nuclear Association. (June 16 2015). ''Uranium Mining Overview'' [Online]. Available: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Mining-of-Uranium/Uranium-Mining-Overview/</ref>

Uranium is not a rare element on Earth, occurring in 2.8 parts per million in the [[cross section of the Earth|Earth's crust]], and occurs in fairly large quantities in various geological settings. Uranium mines operate in 20 countries, however 85% of the world supply of uranium came from just 6 countries in 2011. These countries are Canada, Australia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Niger, and Namibia.<ref name=wno/> In the world's mines, the average abundance of uranium is 0.10%, or 1000 parts per million. However in Canada, some mines have huge amounts of ore up to 20% U average grade.<ref name=wno/>

Canada is the 2<sup>nd</sup> largest producer of uranium next to Kazakhstan, producing 15% of the worlds uranium in 2012. Around 85% of Canada's uranium is exported, with the remainder used in [[CANDU reactor]]s in eastern Canada.<ref>NRCAN. (June 16 2015). ''About Uranium'' [Online]. Available: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/uranium-nuclear/7695</ref>

==Mining==
In general, uranium mining is no different from other kinds of mining unless the ore is very high grade. In this case special mining techniques are used to limit worker [[radiation exposure]] and to ensure the safety of the [[environment]] and general public.<ref name=wno/> Depending on the deposit, uranium is mined in one of three ways:<ref name=cam>Cameco. (June 16 2015). ''Obtaining the Ore'' [Online]. Available: http://www.cameco.com/uranium_101/mining-milling/mining/</ref> Open pit, underground, or [[in situ]] recovery.

===Open pit===

When uranium is found near the surface - usually no more than 100 [[meter]]s deep - it can be extracted via open pit mining.

In this method, soil and waste rock is removed by trucks and tractors, allowing the ore to be accessed. The mines are carved out into sections called benches so they will not collapse.<ref name=cam/> Holes are drilled into the benches and loaded with explosives; they detonate, breaking up the rock and exposing the uranium. The uranium is then loaded onto trucks and shipped to a processing plant.

===Underground===

For mines over 100 m below the surface, it is impractical to use open pits. If the quality and amount of uranium is sufficient, underground mines will be established.The first step is to dig large vertical underground shafts to the depths of the ore. Once this is done, horizontal tunnels, ramps and chambers are built, which allow for the mining of uranium. There are different techniques to obtain the uranium at this point.

The '''[[raisebore mining method]]''' is used at the McArthur river mine in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, which is the largest producer of uranium in the world. This method uses a revolving tool which digs into the uranium deposit, and breaks up the uranium which falls into a truck below. [[Raisebore mining method|Click here]] to see how the raisebore method works.

Another method is the '''[[jet-bore mining method]]''', which uses [[pressure|pressurized water]] to remove ore, which can then be process and pumped to the surface. [[Jet-bore mining method|Click here]] to see how this method works.

[[File:undergroundmcarthur.jpg|800px|center|thumb|Figure 2. McArthur river underground mine in Canada, the world's largest producer of uranium.<ref>Wikimedia Commons [Online], Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/McArthur_River_Uranium_Mine.jpg</ref>]]

===In situ recovery (ISR)===

In this method, the ore is fairly deep underground so it cannot be mined with open pits, and there may be beneficial factors which make it more practical than other underground mining. A reason for its use is that it leaves very little environmental disturbance at the surface.<ref name=cam/> Dissolving solutions are pumped to the uranium underground which allows the uranium to flow through a system of wells to the ground above where it can be processed. [[In situ uranium mining|Click here]] to see how the in situ recovery process for uranium works.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]