Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories realized the need for a safer way to mine uranium. As mining continues to grow in the United States, so do concerns over its environmental impact. An approach that may alleviate some of these problems may be in situ recovery (ISR) of uranium, which involves circulating reactive fluids through an underground uranium deposit. These fluids contain chemical agents that dissolve the ore so uranium can be recovered once the fluid is pumped back to the surface. New and more stringent standards of uranium traces in drinking water are making mining operations more difficult and costly.
Benefits
- Increased safety of uranium removal
- Environmentally friendly process
- Restoration of aquifer to regulatory standards
- Reduced cost
- Greater efficiency
Applications and Industries
- Nuclear power & waste applications
- Mining operations
For more information: Virginia Cleary, 505-284-8902, vdclear@sandia.gov
