IAEA-TECDOC-1174 Methods of exploitation of different types of uranium deposits September 2000 The originating Section of this publication in the IAEA was: Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section International Atomic Energy Agency Wagramer Strasse 5 P.O. Box 100 A-1400 Vienna, Austria METHODS OF EXPLOITATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF URANIUM DEPOSITS IAEA, VIENNA, 2000 IAEA-TECDOC-1174 ISSN 1011–4289 © IAEA, 2000 Printed by the IAEA in Austria September 2000 FOREWORD The choice and evaluation of mining and milling methods in terms of costs are complex processes that require the evaluation of abundant data and in depth analysis of multiple options before making a production decision. Modern operation must take into consideration the regulations of the country in which they operate, the future decommissioning costs of the operation and the medium and long term economics of the metal they sell when opening new mines or improving existing mines. The wrong appraisal of a deposit or the wrong choice of methods can incur costs that will make the deposits non-viable, and, at times, a liability for the public or the country. It is therefore necessary to have a maximum of information before assessing and choosing mining methods that best fit the characteristics of the planned mine. It is important to note that proper mining methods can improve both the capital and operating costs of an operation. Increasing the grade of ore through ore beneficiation prior to processing it through the mill will decrease the amount of ore being processed in the mill and thus decrease the consumption of expensive chemical reagents. Deposits are mined using three broad types of mining methods: open pit, underground and in situ leaching. This publication addresses all aspects of mining and milling methods for several types of deposits and provides information to assist in the selection process of methods and also considers what actions must be taken into account for obtaining regulatory approvals for a project and for final decommissioning and reclamation of a project. The objective of this publication is to provide a process of selections of methods for mining engineers and managers involved in modernising ongoing operations or considering opening new operations. Several practical examples are given. These guidelines can be consulted and used in many countries involved in uranium mining and milling operations. The examples where costs are given can also be adjusted to specific economic conditions of various countries. The authors are from four uranium producing countries. They bring diversified experience for all types of mining and milling operations from the opening of a mine to the decommissioning of the complete operation. This technical publication is one of a series of IAEA publications covering all aspects of the uranium mining industry, from exploration to exploitation and decommissioning. Reports already published address topics such as feasibility study (Steps for Preparing Uranium Production Feasibility Studies: A Guidebook, IAEA-TECDOC-885, 1996), development of regulations (Guidebook on the Development of Regulations for Uranium Deposit Development and Production, IAEA-TECDOC-862, 1996), environmental impact assessment (Environmental Impact Assessment for Uranium Mine, Mill and In Situ Leach Projects, IAEA-TECDOC-979, 1997) closeout of uranium mines (Closeout of Uranium Mines and Mills: a Review of Current Practices, IAEA-TECDOC-939, 1997), planning for environmental restoration (Planning for Environmental Restoration of Uranium Mining and Milling Sites in Central and Eastern Europe, IAEA-TECDOC-982, 1997), strategies for environmental restoration (Factors for Formulating Strategies for Environmental Restoration, IAEA-TECDOC-1032, 1998). The IAEA officer responsible for this publication was J.P. Nicolet of the Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology. EDITORIAL NOTE The use of particular designations of countries or territories does not imply any judgement by the publisher, the IAEA, as to the legal status of such countries or territories, of their authorities and institutions or of the delimitation of their boundaries. The mention of names of specific companies or products (whether or not indicated as registered) does not imply any intention to infringe proprietary rights, nor should it be construed as an endorsement or recommendation on the part of the IAEA. CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................1 2. HISTORY OF URANIUM MINING...................................................................................................1 3. CLASSIFICATION OF DEPOSITS ....................................................................................................3 3.1. Definition and examples ...........................................................................................................4 3.1.1. Unconformity-related....................................................................................................4 3.1.2. Sandstone.......................................................................................................................5 3.1.3. Quartz-pebble conglomerate.........................................................................................6 3.1.4. Veins..............................................................................................................................7 3.1.5. Breccia complex............................................................................................................8 3.1.6. Intrusive.........................................................................................................................8 3.1.7. Phosphorite....................................................................................................................9 3.1.8. Collapse breccia pipe ....................................................................................................9 3.1.9. Volcanic.........................................................................................................................9 3.1.10. Surficial..........................................................................................................................9 3.1.11. Metasomatite...............................................................................................................10 3.1.12. Metamorphic................................................................................................................11 3.1.13. Lignite..........................................................................................................................11 3.1.14. Black shale...................................................................................................................11 3.2. The exploitable deposits .........................................................................................................11 4. PARAMETERS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN ASSESSING A URANIUM ORE RESOURCE ..........................................................................................................11 4.1. Location...................................................................................................................................12 4.2. Shape.......................................................................................................................................12 4.3. Size..........................................................................................................................................12 4.4. Depth.......................................................................................................................................12 4.5. Orientation...............................................................................................................................13 4.6. Geotectonics............................................................................................................................13 4.7. Mineralogy..............................................................................................................................13 4.8. Hydrology................................................................................................................................13 4.9. Boundary conditions...............................................................................................................13 5. PROJECT IMPACT AND APPROVAL...........................................................................................14 5.1. Project proposal.......................................................................................................................14 5.2. EIS guidelines..........................................................................................................................15 5.3. EIS report.................................................................................................................................15 5.4. EIS approval process...............................................................................................................16 6. MINING ..............................................................................................................................................16 6.1. Benefits greater than liabilities ...............................................................................................16 6.2. ALARA...................................................................................................................................16