URANIUM members

IN-SITU MINING

In-situ mining is an environmentally friendly process involving minimal surface disturbance through extracting uranium from sandstone aquifers by reversing the natural process that deposited the uranium.

Uranium mining companies use detailed mapping techniques to locate the uranium and then design the wells to fit the specifications of the site.

At its most basic, in-situ mining is a process by which the miners drill a well straight down to where the uranium sits in the aquifers. A special leaching solution of dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide is delivered to the uranium-bearing strata through the injection wells. Once in contact with the uranium, the solution dissolves the uranium into the ground water, which is then pumped back up to the surface.

Once mining is complete, the aquifer is restored by pumping fresh water through it until the ground water meets the pre-mining use.

In-situ mining has several advantages over conventional uranium surface mining. First, the environmental impact is minimal, as the affected water is restored when the mining is finished. Second, it’s lower in cost, allowing Wyoming’s low grade deposits to compete globally with the high grade deposits in Canada. Finally, the method is safe and proven resulting in minimal employee exposure to health risks.