Fuel Cycle

The process of exploration, mining and milling Uranium is the first step of the nuclear fuel cycle for both commercial nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. The nuclear fuel cycle has many steps, as can be seen in the graphic. Whether the uranium is destined for a nuclear warhead or to generate electricity, the first steps in the nuclear fuel-cycle are identical. Awareness of uranium and its properties has long been known, but the intensive fuel process as it is known today started with the Manhattan Project and the race to make the first nuclear bomb during World War II.

During the last 60 years the government has spent hundred's of bilions of dollars on this infrastructure. The fuel-cycle represents generations of government subsidies to for the commercial nuclear power industry.

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Uranium

Uranium (U-92)

Uranium is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol U and atomic number 92. Heavy, silvery-white, toxic, metallic, naturally radioactive, pyrophoric, and teratogenic uranium belongs to the actinide series and its isotope U-235 is used as the fuel for nuclear reactors and the explosive material for nuclear weapons. Depleted uranium is used in incendiary projectile weapons. Uranium is commonly found in very small amounts in rocks, soil, water, plants, and animals (including humans).

U.S. uranium concentrations

U.S. concentrations of uranium ore in the U.S. exist primarily in two areas of the country. In the Appalachians and in the Southwest, up through the Rocky Mountain range.

Wikipedia: Uranium reference

Exploration

Uranium Ore must first be found before it can be mined. During the first uranium rush during the 50's prospectors would find the uranium using geiger counters. Today, the process is done by drilling bore holes and then analysing the content. Due to the jump in uranium prices in 2005 there has been a dramatic increase in uranium exploration with over $700 million spent.

Most mining claims are made using the 1872 Mining Act that allows mining companies to pay pennies to tear up the land and then abandon it, forcing the public to pay for the clean up. Many of the largest companies like Cameco or Rio Tinto are global conglomerates produce few local jobs, yet reap immense profits.

Mining

Uranium Mining

Uranium mining is done either by large strip mining operations or by an In-Situ Leach (ISL) process where chemicals are pumped into the ground, forcing a liquid slurry of uranium and other heavy metals up to the surface. Most current operations are strip mines, although there are a few hard rock underground mines still in operation. Most mines in the U.S. were shut down long ago due to the poor grade of uranium ore and uranium cheaper supplies from other global commercial operations or from the former soviet nuclear weapons infrastructure.

Uranium Mines

At present there are still thousands of abandoned uranium mines across the southwest that have yet to be cleaned up. Estimates of as much as $33 billion will be required to clean up the environmental disaster. The use of ISL mining is much cheaper than strip mining operations. However,it is extremely toxic to the underground aquifers. Claims that it will only be done on water supplies that will never be used for drinking are being clamed.

Milling

Once the raw uranium ore is extracted from the ground, it is then hauled via giant trucks to a uranium mill where the uranium yellowcake is extracted.

Uranium Mill

Abandoned Mills

Tailings

Radiation Pathways

Health

Uranium Decay Rates

Human Impacts

Resources