Low Activity Uranium Waste Management-A World Perspective

Abstract

A global perspective on the management of low activity, uranium mill wastes is developed in this paper. The perspective is developed by examining the geochemical forms of radionuclides and heavy metals in the tailings. Then the probable effect of different management factors such as site selection, tailings site design (above grade, below grade, etc.), milling process selection, geomorphological setting, geotechnical factors, waste treatment, infiltration rates, and temperature are related to these geochemical forms and the potential for radiological/toxicological risk to humans. Finally, alternative management philosophies (containment or dispersal) and their impact on management are examined. The geochemical perspective is calibrated by presentation of a few site specific examples from around the world at the conference.