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CH3041
URANIUM MINE WASTES
II
• In the uranium
ore radioactivity associated with the various elements in the U decay series are immobilized. Once the U has been
extracted from the ore the powdered solid material (tailings) is susceptible to leaching.
extracted from the ore the powdered solid material (tailings) is susceptible to leaching.
• The passage of radionuclides (esp. 226Ra) into
aquifers is a problem in the USA.
• The tailings dams (where liquid wastes associated with processing of the ore are stored) are most problematic and need to
be monitored. (eg. US-EPA H2O < 5 pCi /L)
be monitored. (eg. US-EPA H2O < 5 pCi /L)
