| Popis: |
This chapter reviews the environmental impacts arising from the various phases in the life-cycle of uranium mining and milling (UMM) facilities. The assessment of the full life-cycle encompases exploration, production, as well as the final long-term stewardship of the residues arising. The impact pathways, types of impacts, and mitigation options are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on a full life-cycle analysis that allows one to optimize mitigation measures, with a view to reducing the overall impacts of uranium production systems while being in compliance with the applicable environmental and health and safety legislation. Due to the exhaustion of high-grade ores, new challenges from mining lower-grade ores arise for the development of low-impact mining and milling operations. Mining and residues create environmental anomalies, and these will have to be managed essentially for infinity. The particular challenges of these long-term stewardship needs are discussed. |
