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Based on scientific research, it appears that for investments in complex energy-mining infrastructures (including the SMR Doicești-Dâmbovița), attention must be paid to the groups of variables belonging to weak points and threats. The main objective of the article is to combine the sub-strategies of the complex energy-mining infrastructures for protection, safety and security, respectively to obtain the appreciation of the level of positive situation on the scale of the coefficients of importance of the components of the researched complex. The approach in relation to the main objective also gives rise to the formulation of three secondary objectives, as follows: a) identification of probabilities and degree of risk assessment regarding protection, safety and security in complex energy-mining infrastructures and characterization of the consequences in the field; b) the application of the SWOT analysis and the TOPSIS Method for the researched objective, emphasizing the characteristics located between appropriate weights; c) highlighting the strategic values of the sub-strategies in relation to nuclear protection, safety and security, showing the decision-makers whether the investment in the energy-mining infrastructure is feasible, reliable and efficient. The paper reports technical protection considerations of the Small Modular Reactors (SMR) system, the list of nuclear hazards/events/incidents drawn up for SMR, technical aspects in the system of underground mining enterprises for the extraction of uranium ore. Also presented are the factors of opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses systematized in the SWOT analysis for SMR, the possible algorithm and mathematical models of mining security, the characterization of sub-strategies of protection, safety and nuclear security in relation to the importance coefficients collected for the decision to mount and put into operation the SMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the authors discuss articles in the issue about the Mount Polley Mine disaster that took place in Northern Secwepemc Territory, British Columbia on August 4, 2014.

In order to achieve a breakthrough in the exploration of uranium orebodies in the Changjiang area of Guangdong province in China, the geo-electrochemical exploration method is used for mineral resource prediction. The logarithmically and isometric log-ratio (ilr) transformations are applied to the geo-electrochemical data in this study area to extract geochemical anomalies. The relationship between element associations and mineralization is revealed through descriptive statistical analysis and further biplot analysis. Then, the energy spectrum density–area fractal model (S-A model) is used to identify geochemical backgrounds and anomalies. The results show that: (i) the logarithmically and ilr-transformed data are more uniform, and they more or less obey the rules of normal distribution; (ii) the biplot shows that the ilr-transformed data eliminates the closure effect, and the robust principal component analysis (RPCA) has a better indicative significance for element associations—PC1 reveals the mineralization element association dominated by U and the multiple periods of hydrothermal activity; (iii) the S-A method could extract the local anomalies from different geochemical backgrounds, which indicates mineralization is more reliable. Finally, four favorable prospecting targets are delineated based on the geological and geochemical indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, Romania is known as a mining site of mineral substances, including gold, silver, copper, lead, zin, uranium, manganese, salt, and coal, whereby their long periods of exploitation and extraction affected human health and the environment in various ways. In Moldova Nouă southwest region of Romania, we investigated the environmental impacts of mining activities on air quality over 2021. We quantified PM10 emission rates through in situ monitoring, dispersion modelling, and horizontal and vertical fluxes. Statistical metrics, including the fraction within factor 2 (FAC2), mean bias (MB), mean gross error (MGE), normalized mean bias (NMB), normalized mean gross error (NMGE), coefficient of efficiency (COE), index of agreements (IOAs), and Taylor diagram signifying standards deviation (SD), root mean squared error (RMSE), and correlation coefficient (R), were used to evaluate the reliability of modelling results against observation. Results conclude that PM10 dispersion agrees with MB, MGE, NMB, NMGE, COE, IOA, and Taylor diagram and moderately with FAC2 metrics. PM10 hotspot was investigated in the vicinity of the tailings ponds of 115.5 µg m−3 annual mean, 563.7 µg m−3 daily mean, 63.3 µg m−2 s−1 annual horizontal flux, and 3.0 µg m−2 s−1 annual vertical flux. PM10 dispersion was identified to expand to Moldova Nouă City and nearby country Serbia. Findings concluded that a windy air mass accumulation across the overburdened dumps and ponds causes the increase of PM10 in the air, resulting in the region's pollution. Therefore, results recommend adopting a strategic mitigation measure for residents, policymakers, stakeholders, and urban planners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rudarsko-Geolosko-Naftni Zbornik is the property of Faculty of Mining, Geology & Petroleum Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Based on an analysis of the spatial distribution of uranium grade in 338 boreholes of a uranium deposit in Xinjiang, the enrichment and spatial variation of uranium ore in two stopes of the deposit are discussed using multifractal theory. The distribution characteristics of the uranium ore of the two stopes are studied by multifractal parameters: the scaling exponent of mass τ (q) , the scaling exponent α (q) of each sub-set and its corresponding fractal dimension f (α) , the fractal dimension D0 and information dimension D1. The differences of uranium distribution in the two stopes can be quantified well by using multifractal spectrum and multifractal parameters such as Δ α , Δ f and R. After a comprehensive multifractal distribution analysis, 10 m × 10 m is defined as a fence unit, and the window sizes ε = 3 , 6 , 9 ⋯ , 45 are set; the singularity exponents α of the two stopes are calculated by using this element concentration–area method. The results show that the multifractal theory and model can organically combine spatial structure information, scale change information and anisotropy information to obtain low-grade and weak mineral resources information and can effectively distinguish complex and superimposed anomalies. This will provide a basis for the local concentration and spatial variation rules of uranium distribution and the design of the parameters of the leaching uranium mining well site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the establishment and activities of two major British mining companies, Rio Tinto and Consolidated Gold Fields, in Australia during the 1950s and 1960s. It discusses their investment programs, exploration efforts, and acquisition activities in various mineral deposits. The article also highlights the development of the Mary Kathleen uranium deposit by Rio Tinto and its subsequent search for new sources of income after the contract with the UKAEA was not renewed. It further explores Rio Tinto's diversification efforts and its challenges in negotiating with the Western Australian government for iron ore deposits. The article concludes by mentioning the merger between Rio Tinto and Consolidated Zinc and the discovery of a large hematite deposit, setting the stage for a major mining development. Researchers interested in the history of mining in Australia will find this article valuable for their studies. [Extracted from the article]

This paper explores the production of vernacular geological knowledge about uranium during the Cold War. In particular, it investigates uranium gathering practices in Siberia as a form of geopower exercised where Soviet citizens were encouraged to participate in geological exploration of the 'bowels of the Earth' for national benefits. This paper further discusses a novel theorization of the early Soviet understanding of the Anthropocene concept in its relation to the notion of nuclearity as formulated by Soviet scholar Vladimir Vernadsky (1863–1945). Finally, the Soviet nuclear project's legacies are analyzed through indigenous experiences of living near the uranium mine in Siberia. The material used for this research comprised a selected set of youth magazine articles and guidelines issued in the 1930s–1950s by Soviet geological agencies with the aim of promoting vernacular geological practices among Soviet citizens, as well as archival materials and field data collected from geologists and indigenous people in Transbaikalia, eastern Siberia, in 2021. This paper shows that Soviet citizens were a crucial part of the nuclear ideology and, at the same time, were treated as the means of nuclear production because of their ability to search for and extract uranium. It further shows how nuclear discourse in the Soviet Union and modern Russia has been shaped by Vernadsky's ideas about the role of nuclear power in the transformation of society. • Novel theorization of the early Soviet understanding of the Anthropocene concept as formulated by Vernadsky. • Nuclearity as a geospatial concept includes social and geographical aspects of the use and extraction of uranium. • The inclusion of all social strata into uranium-gathering practices in the Soviet Union. • The Soviet version of geopower as the idea of mineral resources as a substantial component of the national geo-body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geology & Exploration is the property of Geology & Exploration Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Uranium, U, as a radiological and chemically toxic element has detrimental impacts on human health when ingested at elevated concentration in water. Effluents from an underground gold mine located in the head water region of the Rietspruit contaminated the stream with waterborne uranium. The Rietspruit is a tributary of the Vaal River and subsequently flows through residential and agricultural land. Water samples from the stream were collected and analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine the concentrations of dissolved U. The maximum concentration of U recorded was 781.9 µg/L at the mine from where it decreases with growing distance from the mine. Results from calculations showed that the maximum annual effective dose at the mine was above the regulatory limit for public exposure for all age groups. The radiological risk associated with consumption of untreated water from the Rietspruit is lower than the chemical risk. The chemical risk ranges from 0 to 37.2 while the highest life-time cancer risk was 1.7 E-03 for morbidity cancer risk and 1.1 E-03 for mortality cancer risk. The chemical risk analysis showed that within 24 km of downstream of the mine, stream users are exposed to toxic U levels. Therefore, adequate interventions by relevant government agencies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many ways, vanadium is what makes volborthite interesting, appropriately so for this contribution because vanadium's history is deeply rooted in Mexico. Vanadium is much more reactive in the presence of oxygen with no fewer than 264 described oxide species; 37 of these contain copper and 21 include uranium, the elements with which vanadium species are most commonly found - notably sengerite [Cu SB 2 sb (UO SB 2 sb ) SB 2 sb (VO SB 4 sb ) SB 2 sb -6H SB 2 sb O] is the only species that includes all three. Volborthite dominantly occurs in sediment-hosted vanadium-uranium oxide deposits, exemplified by the "roll-front" deposits of the Four Corners region in the American Southwest. These include native vanadium, simple vanadium sulfides, vanadium-copper sulfides, and complex vanadium-copper (plus As, Ge, Mo, Pb, Mo) sulfosalts. [Extracted from the article]

As a valuable mineral resource, uranium is extensively utilized in nuclear power generation, radiation therapy, isotope labeling, and tracing. In order to achieve energy structure diversification, reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels, and promote the sustainable development of energy production and consumption, research on the metallogenic mechanisms and related development technologies of uranium resources has been one of the focuses of China's energy development. Sandstone-type uranium deposits make up approximately 43% of all deposits in China, making them the most prevalent form of uranium deposit there. Sandstone-type uranium deposits and hydrocarbon resources frequently coexist in the same basin in China. Therefore, this study summarizes the spatial and chronological distribution, as well as the geological characteristics, of typical sandstone-type uranium deposits in China's hydrocarbon-bearing basins. From the perspectives of fluid action, geological structure, and sedimentary environment, the metallogenic mechanisms of sandstone-type uranium deposits in hydrocarbon-bearing basins are explored. According to the research, the rapid reduction effect of oil and gas in the same basin is a major factor in the generation of relatively large uranium deposits. Additionally, ions such as CO32− and HCO3− in hydrothermal fluids of hydrocarbon-bearing basins, which typically originate from dispersed oil and gas, are more conducive to uranium enrichment and sedimentation. This study provides guidance for efficient sandstone-type uranium deposit exploration and production in hydrocarbon-bearing basins and helps to achieve significant improvements in uranium resource exploitation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geology & Resources is the property of Geology & Resources Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses the environmental impact of the global mining industry and the challenges it poses to sustainable development. It highlights the need for critical minerals in the transition to a low-carbon future and the increased demand for these minerals. The article emphasizes the importance of responsible mining practices and strict environmental regulations to mitigate the negative effects of mining, such as water and air pollution, as well as the proper management of mining waste. It also mentions the role of waste management in the mining industry and the need for sustainable practices to ensure the overall sustainability and environmental performance of mining projects. [Extracted from the article]

Finchite (IMA2017-052), Sr(UO2)2(V2O8)·5H2O, is the first uranium mineral known to contain essential Sr. The new mineral occurs as yellow-green blades up to ~10 μm in length in surface outcrops of the calcrete-type uranium deposit at Sulfur Springs Draw, Martin County, Texas, U.S.A. Crystals of finchite were subsequently discovered underground in the Pandora mine, La Sal, San Juan County, Utah, U.S.A., as diamond-shaped golden-yellow crystals reaching up to 1 mm. The crystal structure of finchite from both localities was determined using single-crystal X‑ray diffraction and is orthorhombic, Pcan, with a = 10.363(6) Å, b = 8.498(5) Å, c = 16.250(9) Å, V = 1431.0(13) Å3, Z = 4 (R1 = 0.0555) from Sulfur Springs Draw; and a = 10.3898(16), b = 8.5326(14), c = 16.3765(3) Å, V = 1451.8(4) Å3, Z = 4 (R1 = 0.0600) from the Pandora mine. Electron-probe microanalysis provided the empirical formula (Sr0.88K0.17Ca0.10Mg0.07Al0.03Fe0.02)Σ1.20(UO2)2(V2.08O8)·5H2O for crystals from Sulfur Springs Draw, and (Sr0.50Ca0.28Ba0.22K0.05)Σ0.94(U0.99O2)2(V2.01O8)·5H2O for crystals from the Pandora mine, based on 17 O atoms per formula unit. The structure of finchite contains uranyl vanadate sheets based upon the francevillite topology. Finchite is a possible immobilization species for both uranium and the dangerous radionuclide 90Sr because of the relative insolubility of uranyl vanadate minerals in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The albitite type of U-deposits have been established through detailed exploration and resource-evaluation by AMD in Rohil and adjoining areas of Rajasthan. Of these, 1,086.46 hectares in the Sikar district of Rajasthan has been recently issued a letter of interest (LOI), by the State Govt. of Rajasthan to start mining by the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL). Salient attributes of the deposits are given, with their U-ore containing many sulphide/oxide ore minerals from which critical minerals (CMs), viz., Cu, Co, Ni, Mo and REEs are recoverable. It is suggested in this communication that (i) these CMs, besides U, may be extracted from the ore under value-addition in an integrated cost-effective project with high returns of investment and (ii) simultaneous laboratory/pilot-plant scale mineral processing of bulk ore from the proposed Rohil exploratory mine along with mine construction/development of these deposits is preferable, as it saves some time in establishing a processing plant for the U-ore to recover its main product (U) and by-products (CMs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The north-eastern part of Karnataka lies on the Deccan Plateau of the South Indian Peninsula, characterized by black soil. This region is known for its mineral resources, including a gold ore mine in Hatti (Raichur District), an iron ore mine in Toranagallu (Bellary District), and uranium deposits in Gogi (Yadgir District). However, the soil in this area is deficient in iodine, leading to iodine deficiency disorders such as goiter and hypothyroidism. More than 80,000 cases of these disorders have been reported in the region, along with a few cases of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. The younger age group is predominantly affected, with a higher prevalence in females compared to males. As a result, hypothyroidism contributes to pregnancy-related complications and obesity in women. Early detection is possible due to the visible swelling in the neck, prompting patients to seek medical attention. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce goiter size, restore the body to a euthyroid state, and alleviate symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the effect of ventilation parameters on the 222Rn inhalation dose in an underground uranium mine located in east Singhbhum of Jharkhand, India. This study reveals that the airflow rate variable statistically significantly predicts the 222Rn dose variable in the mine. On the other hand, no significant effect of other ventilation parameters such as barometric pressure, dry-bulb, and wet-bulb temperatures on 222Rn inhalation dose in the stopes was observed due to negligible variations in their values. Therefore, the airflow rate plays a significant role in reducing the effective radiation dose level in mines. In this study, the Equivalent Equilibrium Radon concentration (EER) and total effective radiation dose received by the miners involved in different mining activities in the various locations of the mine were found to be in ranges of 130–420 Bq m−3 and 0–3.17 mSv y−1, respectively. It also reveals that the miners involved in the stope preparation and timbering were exposed to more radiation than other mining activities. Under the existing ventilation conditions, the total effective radiation dose was far below the safe limit of 20 mSv y−1 recommended by the International Commission of Radiological Protection. • Ventilation plays a significant role in reducing the radon dose in the mine. • Radiation dose was determined using a solid-state nuclear track-based dosimeter. • Radiation doses received by the miners were far below the limit value of 20 mSv y−1. • Miners involved in the stope preparation were exposed to more radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ leaching (ISL) is becoming the main mining practice for sandstone-type uranium deposits in China. The key to ISL technology is to aid the leaching solution in contacting the ore bed over a large range, which will induce a series of chemical reactions to extract uranium; thus, it is essential to thoroughly understand the reservoir physical properties of uranium deposits. Taking the Qianjiadian sandstone-type uranium deposits (southern Songliao Basin, China) as an example, the mineral composition and pore structure of samples in different layers were measured using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thin section analysis (TSA), low-temperature N2 adsorption (LTN2A), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and their influences on the ISL effect were analyzed. The results show that more than 65% of the minerals in the Qianjiadian uranium deposits are felsic minerals, and the carbonate minerals, clay minerals, and augite are auxiliary minerals. The primary intergranular pores, intergranular-dissolved pores, intragranular-dissolved pores, intercrystalline pores, and microfractures are developed in uranium deposits with various lithologies to different degrees. The macropores (>1000 nm) and mesopores (100-1000 nm) of medium sandstone, argillaceous sandstone, and siltstone are well developed; in contrast, the proportions of micropores (<10 nm) and transition pores (10-100 nm) in coarse sandstone, fine sandstone, and sandy mudstone are quite high. The heterogeneity of pores in uranium deposits of different lithologies is strong and influences the mineral composition and its fabric mode. Coarse sandstone, fine sandstone, and sandy mudstone are favorable for ISL mining in Qianjiadian uranium deposits because their permeability is above the required permeability threshold of ISL. The uranium deposits with permeability below the threshold are recommended to adopt the blasting-enhanced permeability method to improve their permeability for achieving large-scale and high-efficiency ISL mining. This study can provide guidance for the selection of favorable ore beds for ISL mining and reservoir stimulation methods in low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sri Lanka is one of the wealthiest countries in terms of gems. Therefore, gem mining is extensively carried out in many areas of Sri Lanka, including districts such as Ratnapura, Monaragala, Matale, and Kalutara. During the mining process, only valuable gemstones are collected, and the remaining gravel fraction with many heavy minerals is discarded. Therefore, the gem mining industry produces a large amount of waste that is mainly used only for backfilling. To sustainably manage this waste stream, gem mining waste collected from a gem pit at Wagawatta in the Kalutara district in Sri Lanka was investigated for value recovery, specifically for rare-earth elements (REEs). The gem-bearing alluvial layer contained 0.3% rare-earth oxide (REO) that could easily be upgraded up to 2.8% (LREEs = 94%) with wet sieving and subsequent density separation via a shaking table. Therefore, the concentrates of gem mine tailings with REE-bearing minerals have the potential to be a secondary source for LREEs. The organic-rich clay layer underlying the gem-bearing alluvial layer contained 0.6% REO with 49% HREEs, including Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, and especially Y enrichments. Detailed explorations are thus necessary to assess the REE potential in Sri Lanka's gem mining waste, and value recovery flowsheets should be subsequently developed to economically extract REEs. In addition, the presence of high U concentrations (800 mg/kg) in the concentrated samples could be alarming when considering the health and safety of the people engaged in gem mining. This aspect also requires detailed research studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Sandstone-type uranium deposits are important strategic mineral resource. Rapid and accurate analysis of uranium and thorium content is of great significance to the evaluation and comprehensive utilization of this type of deposit. At present, the analysis of uranium and thorium is mainly determined by acid dissolution and alkali fusion methods to decompose samples. For the open acid dissolution method, the decomposition is often incomplete, resulting in lower results. The alkali fusion process is lengthy, which is not conducive to rapid detection. In addition, the high content of iron elements in sandstone type uranium deposits interfere with the measurement of uranium and thorium. OBJECTIVES: To develop a method which can determine uranium and thorium in sandstone uranium deposits by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) with microwave digestion. METHODS: The samples were treated by microwave digestion technology, EDTA and triethanolamine mixed solution were added to the hydrochloric acid extract as masking agents to form a complex with iron ions in the solution, which effectively eliminated the interference of coexisting elemental iron on the determination of uranium and thorium. The experiment optimized the analytical spectral lines of each element, compared the amount of masking agent to obtain the best conditions, and basically eliminated the spectral line interference of coexisting elements by using the interference correction coefficient method. RESULTS: The linear correlation coefficients of standard curves were greater than 0. 9995, and the detection limit of uranium and thorium were 0. 70μg / g, and 0. 58μg / g, respectively. The relative error of the determination results of reference materials was 1. 47% - 1. 82% and the relative standard deviation ( RSD, n = 12) was 1. 32%-1. 78%. CONCLUSIONS: The method is simple to operate, effectively masking the interference of iron on uranium and thorium, and can be used to accurately complete the simultaneous determination of uranium and thorium in sandstone-type uranium deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minerals and metals find mentioned in India's 'Shruthies' (Vedic) and 'Smruthies' (Ithihasas and Puranas) but the exploration concepts had remained latent. After a huge hiatus, the Industrial Revolution of the mid-18th century can be said to have heralded the need to seek mineral resources world-wide. Ancient mining activities were the obvious precursors used by the prospectors to seek new mineral resources. The 'Spatial and Temporal' association of the 'metallogenic provinces' thus also became clearer. The 'mineral system concept' came up since 1990s and are being used for seeking new Mississipi Valley Type, Pb−Zn−Cu and SEDAX type deposits along passive, continental margins. The 'Common Earth Model' came up in the new millenia for petroleum exploration with inferences on the depth aspects petroleum basins. Such a fusion of concepts and advanced exploration techniques have helped in the preparation of 'prospectivity maps' for seeking 'green field terrains' to discover new mineral resource bases. The second world-war which demonstrated the fission-power of uranium ushered in the race for atomic minerals, especially uranium, throughout the world including India. Crustal evolution and the time-bound character of specific uranium deposit-types marked a major shift in uranium exploration concepts world-wide including India. Metamorphic, vein type deposits of Singhbhum, Jharkhand (Jaduguda, Narwapaharh, Turamdih and others explored since the early 1950s), the sandstone types at Domiasiat and Wakhyn in Meghalaya, the albitite-hosted uranium at Rohil, Rajasthan and the unique, low-grade, large tonnage, carbonate-hosted Tummallapalle group of deposits in Andhra Pradesh discovered and proved since the late 1970s, form the main resource base of uranium in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A geoenvironmental assessment methodology was developed to estimate waste quantities and disturbances that could be associated with the extraction of undiscovered uranium resources and identify areas on the landscape where uranium and other constituents of potential concern (COPCs) that may co-occur with uranium deposits in this region are likely to persist, if introduced into the environment. Prior to this work, a method was lacking to quantitively assess the environmental aspects associated with potential development of undiscovered uranium resources at a scale of a uranium resource assessment. The mining method of in situ recovery (ISR) was historically used to extract uranium from deposits in the Goliad Sand of the Texas Coastal Plain. For this reason, the study's methodology projected the following types of wastes and disturbances commonly associated with ISR based on historical ISR mining records: the mine area, affected aquifer volume, mine pore volume, water pumped and disposed during uranium extraction and restoration, and radon emissions. Within the tract permissive for the occurrence of undiscovered uranium resources, maps and statistics of factors were derived that indicate the potential contaminant pathways. The percentage of days meeting the criteria for air stagnation indicate the potential for radon accumulation; the geochemical mobility of COPCs in groundwater in combination with effective recharge indicates the potential for infiltration of surface-derived COPCs; the geochemical mobility of COPCs in groundwater combined with hydraulic conductivity indicates the propensity for transmitting fluids away from contaminated or mined aquifers; and finally, geochemical mobility of COPCs in surface water combined with the factor for climatic erosivity (R factor) indicates the potential for COPCs to persist in surface waters due to runoff. This work resulted in a new methodology that can be applied to any undiscovered mineral resource to better understand possible wastes and disturbances associated with extraction and identify areas on the landscape where COPCs are likely to persist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three representative areas (two in the range of the Buhovo mine and one near the village of Katina) located in Western Bulgaria and a part of the Balkan Mountains uranium deposit were sampled between 2015 and 2016. Physical and chemical parameters of the soil, such as moisture content, temperature, pH, organic matter, and texture, were measured at three differently polluted sites on the territory of the mines and three distant enough to be used as control sites. The data of the gamma radioactivity of the mine sampling sites were stated. The species that were mainly presented in all sampling sites are endogeic - Aporrectodea rosea (Savigny, 1826), Octolasion lacteum (Örley, 1881), and epigeic - Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826), which is used as the most widespread earthworm model in all ecotoxicological studies. All three species are tolerant to aggravated soil conditions, and their occurrence can be a result of intensive anthropogenic mining practices. The cluster analysis of the data showed higher similarity between the sampling sites at the territories of the mines compared to the control ones. The PCA ordination diagram indicated that the gamma radiation, which characterizes the radioactive load, separated the affected from the control sites. This factor has played a key role in shaping the habitat conditions for the earthworm communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides updates on various oil and gas developments in Africa. In Angola, Sonangol and Chevron's subsidiary signed contracts for the exploration of oil blocks in the Lower Congo Basin. In Congo, a Chinese company's oil exploration permit in a national park is causing concern for the ecosystem and local communities. Djibouti launched the construction of a new oil refinery, while Kenya received its first consignment of directly imported Ugandan fuel. Niger and Nigeria are also making strides in oil exploration and production. Senegal started oil production in its Sangomar offshore oil field, marking its entry into the oil industry. The article also mentions developments in coal, copper, graphite, lead, lithium, and uranium mining in Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Tanzania, Namibia, and Niger, respectively. [Extracted from the article]

The radiation dose of workers in underground uranium mines mainly comes from radon and radon progeny. To ensure a healthy and safe work environment, it is necessary and urgent to optimize the design of ventilation systems. As such, based on the simplified radon diffusion-advection migration model of the rocks, this paper proposes 1) two methods for determining the radon exhalation rate modified by pressure drop, 2) three methods for calculating radon activity concentration of single-branch, and 3) the novel adjustment algorithm and solving procedures for calculating and adjusting the radon activity concentration in ventilation networks by modifying the radon exhalation rate, demonstrated on a specific ventilation network in a simulated underground uranium mine with calculation and analysis via MATLAB. The results show that 1) the radon exhalation rate of different branches can be modified by their pressure drop, and 2) the proposed method can be used to reveal the influences of different ventilation methods and fan pressures on the radon activity concentration in the ventilation network and the radon release rate to the atmosphere. • Two methods to modify the radon exhalation rate of roadway-surrounding rocks by pressure drop were developed. • Three methods were proposed for reasonably calculating the radon activity concentration in single branch. • The novel adjustment algorithm and solving procedures for analyzing radon-containing ventilation networks were established. • The ventilation methods and its operating parameters of radon reduction were evaluated and optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previously completed mineral resources assessment of the Texas Coastal Plain indicated the potential for the future discovery of uranium resources. Geoenvironmental assessments that include the hydrogeologic framework can be used as a tool to understand the potential effects of mining operations. The hydrogeologic framework for this study focused on the composite hydrogeologic unit of the tract permissive for the occurrence of uranium consisting of the upper part of the Miocene-age Fleming Formation/Lagarto Clay, Pliocene-age Goliad and Pleistocene-age Willis Sands, Pleistocene-age Lissie and Beaumont Formations, and Holocene-age alluvial sediments (fluvial alluvium and eolian sand deposits). This composite hydrogeologic unit, which contains the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers of the Gulf Coast aquifer system, is intended for inclusion in a regional-scale geoenvironmental assessment of as yet undiscovered uranium resources. This article provides (1) a brief literature review describing the geologic and hydrogeologic settings, (2) the methodology used to develop a composite hydrogeologic framework, and (3) descriptions and maps of the land-surface altitude, composite hydrogeologic unit base and midpoint depth, water-level altitude, depth of water, unsaturated and saturated zone thickness, and transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity. A composite hydrogeologic unit, created by combining geologic and hydrogeologic data and maps for individual geologic and hydrogeologic units, is intended for use as a tool in a geoenvironmental assessment to evaluate potential contaminant migration through various avenues. Potential applications include using the hydrogeologic framework as an input into a geoenvironmental assessment to help estimate the potential for (1) runoff of contaminants into surface water, (2) infiltration of contaminants into the groundwater (aquifers), or (3) movement of contaminants from the mining area through wind, groundwater-flow, or streamflow in a given permissive tract. The procedures outlined in this paper also provide a method for developing hydrogeologic frameworks that can be applied in other areas where mining may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of fine tailings from shallow depths of a waste depository (i.e., tailings pond) from uranium (U) ore processing in Jaduguda, India, were investigated to determine the speciation of the U and its association with certain physicochemical parameters. The aim was to understand the phenomena that can lead to the migration of U from the tailings pile to the adjoining environment. Natural processes were found to impact the physicochemical features of the tailings, as reflected in samples collected from a non-operational (first stage) and an operational (third stage) tailings pond. The average concentrations of U were 63.73 ± 5.34 mg/kg and 91.98 ± 9.33 mg/kg in the first- and third-stage ponds, respectively. A sequential extraction of tailings samples showed that the major fraction of U was bound to the residual phase, followed by an iron/manganese (Fe/Mn) oxide phase. The average fractions of U bound to these two phases were 38.7% and 35.8% as residual and 30.7% and 25.1% as Fe/Mn oxide in the first- and third-stage ponds, respectively. The findings demonstrate that, on average, 5% and 2.5% of the total U in the samples from the nonoperational and operational tailings ponds were active/mobile. This low mobility substantially minimizes the impact on the adjoining environment. In addition, the state-of-the-art technology used for waste immobilization, along with the site condition, are favorable for the long-term storage of the fine tailings from the ore-processing unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores contestations surrounding the rehabilitation of the Ranger Uranium Mine in the Northern Territory of Australia. I highlight how particular scientific knowledges are privileged throughout the rehabilitation process, but only so long as the rehabilitation problems at hand are deemed manageable. I also argue that the implications of the immense time scales of impacts are being ignored, and the question of monitoring, remediation, and regulation thousands of years into the deep future constitutes a kind of 'uncomfortable knowledge'. Ultimately, I contend that the legacy of the rehabilitated Ranger uranium mine will pose long-term threats to the environment and Mirarr Traditional Owners of the area, and that this slow violence constitutes a kind of unacknowledged environmental disaster, but one which is being disregarded through the active production of ignorance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an analysis focused on the possibility of using geothermal energy from the Rožná I Uranium Mine through mine water as a heat source. The Rožná I Uranium Mine makes part of the Rožná deposit, whose rock mass cannot be considered homogeneous in terms of geothermal energy utilization, but heterogeneous, where there are positive and negative influences, the so-called geo-factors of geothermal energy utilization. The possibility of geothermal energy exploitation was assessed based on available materials and background information. The main parameters are the thermal conductivity coefficients of the rock mass, the ground heat flux of the area, the geothermal degree or its inverse value, the geothermal gradient. The exploitability of the geothermal potential of the mine water was determined using several calculations. This availability was assessed both in terms of the maximum achievable thermal output in combination with a heat pump and the long-term sustainability of this output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 900 abandoned uranium mines litter the Navajo Nation, the poisonous legacy of the mid- to late-twentieth century uranium boom in the American West. This article discusses findings from recent archaeological work related to reclamation activities at a series of abandoned uranium mines in the Cove and Monument Valley regions of northeastern Arizona. The projects sought to identify archaeological resources within the mine boundaries and gather ethnographic information regarding past mining activities at these sites. The results of this ethnoarchaeological work provide insight into the daily activities and family life of Navajo uranium mine workers, as well as historic data useful for Navajo Nation land managers planning remediation activities at the abandoned mine sites. The article concludes with a series of reflections about the nature of conducting archaeological work at uranium industry sites that might be of interest to others engaged in similar work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term management of tailings from former uranium (U) mines requires an in-depth understanding of the hydrogeological processes and water flow paths. In France, most of the legacy U mines are located in fractured crystalline (plutonic) rocks, where the intrinsic subsurface heterogeneity adds to the uncertainties about the former extraction and milling activities and the state of the mine when production was ceased. U ores were mainly processed by sulfuric acid leaching, leading to high-sulfate-content mill tailings now contained in several tailing storage facilities (TSFs). The La Ribière site, located in western central France, is a former open-pit and underground U mine, closed in 1992 and used to store mill tailings. This site is being used as a test case to establish a workflow in order to explain and predict water flow and subsurface contaminant transport. A conceptual model of water flow and sulfate transport, at the scale of the La Ribière watershed, is first developed based on available information and hydrogeochemical monitoring. Recent geophysical investigations allows refining this model. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) proves to be efficient at localizing the extent of the highly conductive sulfate plume inherited from the U-mill tailings, but also at imaging the weathering profile. Magnetic Resonance Sounding (MRS), despite the limited signal intensity due to the low porosity in crystalline rocks, gives some insight into the porosity values, the depth of the fractured layer and the location of the low-porosity ore-processing muds. Based on this conceptual model, a 3D flow and non-reactive transport model with the METIS code is developed and calibrated. This model allows predicting the evolution of the sulfate plume, but will also be used in future investigations, to build reactive transport models with simplified hydrogeology for U and other reactive contaminants. • Parsimonious approach to modeling a small but complex site with large uncertainties. • Water table and long-term sulfate monitoring highly valuable for model calibration. • Sulfate plume extent localized thanks to ERT sounding. • Boundaries of underground workings in former open pit identified by MRS sounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extant literature exists so far on the positive contribution of mining to economic growth. However, contrary views have also been found in the form of the 'resource curse' and mining-induced displacement literature. These opposing literature perspectives deserve attention when mining is pursued as a panacea for economic growth. Little, if any, attention has so far been made to bring these perspectives together. The current study, therefore, brought these views together and suggested the need to rethink mining as a panacea for growth. The study found that while most governments generally accept the contribution of mining to growth and, therefore, justify mining-induced displacement, this growth strategy leads to significant counter-effects like the resource curse, disturbances in economic activities and finally satisfaction with life. Further, effects like political instability have also been highlighted. Considering all these negative effects, the benefits espoused from mining activities may not obtain. Therefore, a very serious rethinking of mining as a strategy to stimulate economic growth is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferrihydrite, a hydrous ferric oxide, is ubiquitous in silica-rich mine drainage sites, although some uncertaity remains concerning its nanoscale texture and colloidal properties such as its association with amorphous silica and reactions with contaminant metals. To understand the mechanisms of natural attenuation of contaminants governed by ferrihydrite and amorphous silica aggregations, mine tailings material from the Ningyo-toge uranium deposit, Japan, has been investigated in detail utilizing many traditional solution and mass spectroscopy methods, as well as synchrotron-based methods the latest in FIB- and analytic TEM-based technologies. At this site, the past mining activity results in slightly acidic mine drainage and the contamination of a mill tailings pond with relatively high concentrations of toxic elements, including U, As, and Ra. We have systematically investigated the geochemistry of water, colloids, and sediments from the groundwater draining the former mine site (now remediated), down gradient to the mill tailings pond where the water pH remains ∼6.2. Groundwater with 0.18 mg/L dissolved oxygen (DO) is oxygenated rapidly to levels of 1.65 mg/L DO when exposed to the atmosphere along this flow path. Dissolved Fe2+ is oxidized instantly to form ferrihydrite nanoparticle aggregates > 200 nm in diameter, adsorbing ∼67% of the total As (3.36 µmol/L) in solution. For solutions and particles/aggregates passing through 200-nm filters, ∼17% of the 1.17 µmol/L As is sorbed on these smaller ferrihydrite aggregates. Simultaneously, varying amounts of amorphous silica with particle sizes as small as several nanometers were observed to adsorb onto ferrihydrite aggregates. Arsenic is present predominantly as arsenate, As(V), and preferentially adsorbs to ferrihydrite within these ferrihydrite–amorphous silica aggregates. Arsenate adsorption is not inhibited by silica adsoption on ferrihydrite when the Si/Fe composition is ∼0.25. Uranium is also adsorbed onto aggregates of colloids. After 24 h of static exposure to the ambient atmosphere, the zeta potential of the aggregate that formed in oxygenated water decreases from −16 to −24 mV, near the zeta potential of pure silica, potentially leading to increased colloidal stability. Some large-sized aggregates are deposited at the bottom of the collecting well and slowly adsorb minor amounts of Mn (1.45 wt.%); other aggregates are transported to the mill tailings pond downsteam, where the water is further oxidized (DO = 3.09 mg/L), and deposited onto the sediment together with birnessite, a hydrated Mn-oxide that appears to be biogenic in this case. During sedimentation, associations of amorphous silica within the aggregate play a key role in retaining the ferrihydrite structure that adsorbs toxic elements such as As. Consequently, the mechanism of natural attenuation at the nanoscale constrained by the chemical and physical properties of ferrihydrite–amorphous silica aggregates is of critical importance in the Ningyo-toge mill tailing site. It is shown that it is also important in other mine drainage and mill tailings sites due to the ubiquitous and dominant occurrence of both Si and Fe in these types of settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Ordos Basin is one of the most important areas in China because it hosts lots of sandstone - type uranium deposits and a variety of other energy and mineral resources. The occurrence of uranium minerals is of great significance to the genetic understanding and prospecting of sandstone - type uranium deposits. However, the complex mineral composition, fine grain size, and various types and occurrences of uranium minerals make the initial identification stage of the study difficult. Currently, radiograph and electron probe microanalysis ( EMPA) have played an important role in the identification of uranium minerals. Radiography can be used to obtain the position, occurrence and radioactive form of all uranium minerals in the light film at one time, but the mineral type cannot be identified. Moreover, it is a lengthy process and must be performed in darkness. Electron probe can be used to obtain the backscattered image of the uranium mineral. However, it takes time and effort to find uranium minerals with small content and small particle size in thin slices at high magnification, and it is impossible to quickly determine the types of associated minerals in BSE images. OBJECTIVES: To find a more rapid and accurate method for identifying uranium minerals. METHODS: The automatic mineral analysis system (AMI CS), scanning electron microscopy ( SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used to identify minerals from sandstone - type uranium deposits in the north, south, and west margins of the Ordos Basin. RESULTS: The minerals in the study were identified as coffinite, pitchblende, uraninite and uranophane. Pyrite and titanium oxide were closely related to uranium minerals, and other associated minerals were identified as quartz, rutile, feldspar, mica and kaolinite. CONCLUSIONS: AMICS - SEM - EDS in situ analysis technology proves to be a reliable method for the rapid identification of uranium minerals, associated minerals, and their occurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]