In situ uranium mining
In situ uranium mining is a method used to obtain underground uranium. For it to be practical, the ore is often fairly deep underground so it cannot be mined with open pits. Moreover, there may be beneficial factors which make it more practical than other underground mining. One benefit is that it leaves very little environmental disturbance at the surface. In addition, there is less exposure to radiation, and it is more economical to mine "lesser quality" ores compared to traditional methods.[1] 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. The following video (from Cameco, a uranium mining company) shows how the in situ uranium mining process works.[2]
See uranium mining for other methods of attaining uranium.
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References
- ↑ Ucil.nic.in, 2018. [Online]. Available: http://www.ucil.nic.in/pdf/myth/Uranium%20mining%20by%20in-situ%20leaching.pdf. [Accessed: 15- Aug- 2018].
- ↑ Cameco. (June 16 2015). Obtaining the Ore [Online]. Available: http://www.cameco.com/uranium_101/mining-milling/mining/