Innovation Required in the Disposal of Uranium Mine Wastes

Abstract

Attention must be paid to critical design problems facing mining engineers trying to ensure that uranium mine wastes are disposed of safely. A loss of confidence in engineers and scientists led to a seven year moratorium on the exploration and development of uranium ores being imposed by the Province of British Columbia in 1980. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate discussion and to initiate research so that problems particular to uranium mining can be resolved to the satisfaction of government and the public.

A number of questions concerning the safe disposal of uranium mine and mill wastes were raised during the hearings of the British Royal Commission of Inquiry into Uranium Mining; at least ten of these questions remain unanswered. These ten questions are discussed in detail. Recommendations are made in each case as to how we should proceed to find the answers; both research and innovative design solutions are required.