Economics of alternative uranium tailings transport methods

The paper is directed at selecting an economic method for transporting tailings from existing locations to final disposal sites. The method of transportation chosen will depend on the quantity of tailings, the terrain and the distance to be transported. This paper outlines the methods for transporting tailings by truck, rail, conveyor, tram, and slurry pipeline and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Emphasis is placed on uranium tailings disposal. The paper provides economic data and recommendations that may be used for selection of a system for a particular situation. Finally, general conclusions are reached relating the characteristics of a system with economic alternatives for transporting the material