Posted On: 11/24/2012 8:15:17 PM
Post# of 60
In-Situ Uranium Recovery Technology
The in-situ process uses injection wells and extraction wells to circulate water through an ore body, removing the uranium but leaving the rock undisturbed. Through a process of ion exchange
and elution (the same principles at work in a home water softener), the uranium is removed from the water and then packaged
for sale in a crystalline form known as yellowcake.
In contrast, conventional mining of any mineral from an aquifer requires dewatering of the aquifer around the mine. In a drinking water aquifer, this will affect water availability and often water quality. Previously buried rock quickly oxidizes and adds contaminants to water, both underground and on the surface. The conventional mining process generates millions of tons of chemically contaminated waste tailings, compared with the modern in-situ recovery process, which generates no tailings and very few waste solids.
Uranium ISR has been safely used for more than thirty years. Projects using ISR occur in Nebraska, Texas, and Wyoming, and in other countries around the world, including Australia.
ISR does not affect drinking water availability because the naturally occurring uranium in a commercial ore body has already rendered its groundwater unusable for drinking.
Learn more about the in-situ recovery process.
Take the Interactive Tour.
The in-situ process uses injection wells and extraction wells to circulate water through an ore body, removing the uranium but leaving the rock undisturbed. Through a process of ion exchange
and elution (the same principles at work in a home water softener), the uranium is removed from the water and then packaged
for sale in a crystalline form known as yellowcake.
In contrast, conventional mining of any mineral from an aquifer requires dewatering of the aquifer around the mine. In a drinking water aquifer, this will affect water availability and often water quality. Previously buried rock quickly oxidizes and adds contaminants to water, both underground and on the surface. The conventional mining process generates millions of tons of chemically contaminated waste tailings, compared with the modern in-situ recovery process, which generates no tailings and very few waste solids.
Uranium ISR has been safely used for more than thirty years. Projects using ISR occur in Nebraska, Texas, and Wyoming, and in other countries around the world, including Australia.
ISR does not affect drinking water availability because the naturally occurring uranium in a commercial ore body has already rendered its groundwater unusable for drinking.
Learn more about the in-situ recovery process.
Take the Interactive Tour.
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