Uranium mill tailings conditioning research summary

The results of our studies on the characterization of uranium mill tailings, the potential for removal of radionuclides (226Ra and 230Th) from tailings, recovery of mineral values from tailings, immobilization of tailings contaminants by thermal stabilization, and an analysis of the engineering practicality and economic feasibility of both reprocessing for mineral recovery and thermal stabilization are summarized. In addition, the implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the overall remedial action program. We conclude that if future standards are strict and require drastic reductions in contaminant release rates and long-term isolation then thermal stabilization technology offers the best presently known means for the long-term immobilization of these hazardous substances. Implementation of thermal stabilization effort to establish process parameters and emission controls would be required. If future standards are relaxed considerably then mineral recovery is justified for three of the six sites. Certainly, if any of these tailings piles requires relocation as part of the remedial action, we can see no technical or economic reason that should prevent reprocessing as an integral part of remedial action