An introduction to uranium mill tailings isolation and containment

The subject is discussed under the headings: introduction (historical; need for adequate arrangements to protect human health and natural environment); characteristics of uranium mill tailings (separation of uranium from other constituents in the ore in a mill, heap leaching or in-situ leaching, leaving radioactive wastes); objectives of tailings management (aimed particularly at limiting the release of the radionuclides; nature of risks either from direct exposure or through food chain); general techniques of tailings management (methods of physical containment); site specific considerations (pathways by which harmful constituents might reach potential receptor populations); the sequence of containment and management. (U.K.)