Geotechnical challenges and strategies at McArthur River Operation

Abstract

High pressure water inflow has been identified as one of the most critical challenges in mining the world's highest-grade uranium deposit at McArthur River Operation, Cameco Corporation. The ore deposit is approximately 530 m below surface and adjacent to the water bearing Athabasca sandstone, graphitic, and highly altered ground. This paper summarizes the comprehensive geotechnical challenges and corresponding strategies that have been used over years to successfully develop and mine the deposit. These comprehensive ground control strategies have been proven to be efficient and satisfactory to the risk tolerance of the operation. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.