URANIUM FACTS
7. Water Management
How do uranium mines use water?
All mining uses water. Overall, mining uses only a small amount of water compared with other things like farming and households.
Uranium mining uses more water than some other types of mining and less than others. Uranium mines need to use water to get uranium from the ground.
They use water to wash workers and mining equipment. Water is used to wet down dust so that it does not blow away. Water is also used in mining to help wash uranium out of the soil and rock. Some waste water is stored in big ponds called ‘tailings dams’ where the miners store crushed rock after taking out the uranium.
Where do mines get their water from?
Uranium mines can use water from many different sources. They may use rainwater or, in dry places where there is not much rain or any creeks or rivers, the water comes from underground. Sometimes this water is very salty and no good for people or animals.
Some mining takes place underground using water. This is called in-situ recovery. Water has chemicals added and is pumped underground to dissolve uranium. It is brought to the surface, the uranium taken out and the water is pumped back underground. In time, the water returns to its original condition.
Mining companies re-use water as much as possible. They must filter and clean water they have used before they let it leave the mine so it can’t make people or animals sick.
Who checks to make sure that not too much water is used?
Uranium mines have to follow rules about how they keep the land in good shape. They must not pollute the land or the water outside their mine site. Also, they must not use too much water.
Before mining starts mining companies must talk to people on the land and the government to make sure they are using water properly. The mining company must explain to the government how they will use water.
After the mine has started mining companies and the government check the water, the air and the soil near the mine regularly, or sometimes every day. If there is pollution it must be cleaned up. If they do not look after the land or water the government can make the mining company pay a fine or maybe even stop the mining and will make the company clean up the land.
Looking after the environment
The approval process involves the mining company providing information on the environmental impacts it may have during mining and when mining is finished. State or Territory Government checks the information and put rules on the mining company to make sure the community, the workers and the environment are protected. The company has to follow these rules during mining, and to make sure the land is left in a good state when mining is finished.
Further information:
Australian Uranium Association:
www.aua.org.au
Uranium Council:
www.ret.gov.au/uranium.council
Department of Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities:
www.environment.gov.au/epbc
Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum:
www.dmp.wa.gov.au
South Australian Department for Manufacturing,
Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy:
www.dmitre.sa.gov.au
Northern Territory Department of Resources:
www.nt.gov.au/d/