Uranium Mill Tailings: Geochemistry, Mineralogy, and Environmental Impact

Abstract

Research Article| December 01, 2006 Uranium Mill Tailings: Geochemistry, Mineralogy, and Environmental Impact Abdesselam Abdelouas Abdesselam Abdelouas *SUBATECH, EMN-CNRS/IN2P3-Université de Nantes, BP 20722 4, rue Alfred Kastler - La chantrerie, 44307 Nantes Cedex 3, France E-mail: [e-mail] Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Abdesselam Abdelouas *SUBATECH, EMN-CNRS/IN2P3-Université de Nantes, BP 20722 4, rue Alfred Kastler - La chantrerie, 44307 Nantes Cedex 3, France E-mail: [e-mail] Publisher: Mineralogical Society of America First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1811-5217 Print ISSN: 1811-5209 © 2006 by the Mineralogical Society of America Elements (2006) 2 (6): 335–341. https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.2.6.335 Article history First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Abdesselam Abdelouas; Uranium Mill Tailings: Geochemistry, Mineralogy, and Environmental Impact. Elements 2006;; 2 (6): 335–341. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.2.6.335 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyElements Search Advanced Search Abstract Worldwide, the mining of uranium has generated 938 × 106 m3 of mill tailings. The radioactivity of these tailings depends on the grade of ore mined and varies from less than 1 Bq/g to more than 100 Bq/g. The most common mode of disposal is near-surface impoundment in the vicinity of the mine or mill. The principal radiation risks from uranium tailings are gamma radiation, essentially from radium decay; windblown radioactive dust dispersal; and radon gas and its radioactive progeny, which are known to cause lung cancer. Uranium mill tailings are also often associated with elevated concentrations of highly toxic heavy metals, which are a major source of surface and groundwater contamination. Due to their high sulfide content (a few to tens of wt%), tailings may acidify groundwater, accelerating the release of radioactive and hazardous elements. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.