Uranium ISL mining activities at the International Atomic Energy Agency

Abstract

Since the International Atomic Energy Agency's foundation in 1957 the IAEA has had an increasing interest in uranium production cycle issues. The recent activities cover tasks including uranium geology & deposits, uranium resources, production, demand, uranium exploration and uranium mining & milling technologies. All the tasks include environmental issues. In addition, many training courses (also on ISL topics) have been organised and are being prepared. In the past 15 years a lot of emphases have been put on the uranium ISL mining technology in consequence with a depressed development of new mining operations and an increased interest in lower cost operations. Several technical meetings and consultancies were organised and led to publishing of an IAEA technical document (TECDOC-1239) Manual on Acid In Situ Leach Uranium Mining Technology.