Uranium Mining Methods Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Imagine that a company wants to mine uranium in your area. The company is trying to determine which
of the three mining methods it wants to use based on considerations like:
•	Other radioactive materials like radium and radon gas that can contaminate the environment
and cause health concerns.
•	Safe disposal or storage of the mining waste.
•	The protection of the health of the workers, nearby community members and the
environment.
For each mining method:
•	Hypothesize and list the benefits and impacts each mining method may have on the local
society, the economy and the environment.
•	Check whether you might be for or against allowing the mining method in your area.
Underground mining involves digging and removing rock through
a tunnel or opening the side of a hill or mountain. Miners must
work underground in tunnels.
Benefits:
Impacts:
Underground Mining
Source: National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences
For
~
Against
Open Pit Mining
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Open-pit mining involves stripping away or excavating the topsoil
and rock that lie above the uranium ore.
Benefits:
Impacts:
VJ
~
For
Against
v>EPA
United States	RadTown Uranium Activity Set	EPA 402-B-19-064
Environmental Protection
Agency	https://www.EPA.gov/RadTown/Activitv-4-/Uranium-Mining-IVlethods

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In-situ leaching involves treating ore deep underground with chemicals to dissolve the uranium and
then pumping the liquid to the surface. This method is feasible in deposits that are saturated and have
high permeability. This method is the most common method used in the U.S. through wells.
Monitor Wells
Monitor
Well
from Plan)
To Ptanl

Sands, Clays
and Gravels
1
upper clay
J
Submersible
Pump
Lower clay
Uranium Deposit
Source: World Nuclear Association
Open-pit mining involves stripping away or excavating the topsoil and rock that lie above the uranium
ore.
Benefits:
Impacts:
~
For
Against
£PDA Environmental Protection RadTown Uranium Activity Set
AoSnCy	kHrtc*/ Aama/ia/ PDA rrr\\//D nrlTVwAi
EPA 402-B-19-064
Agency	https://www.EPA.gov/RadTown/Activitv-4-Uranium-Mining-Methods

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