What is in-situ leach mining?
The most contentious type of uranium mining, in-situ leach (ISL) involves injecting huge quantities of water and sulphuric acid into the deposit or the aquifer in which the deposit occurs, and sucking the resulting slurry out for separation. The potential for ground and surface water contamination is far greater than other types of mining, as blockages in pipes can cause leachate to flow out of control (as occurred during a trial at Honeymoon, SA). The pumping process may also release large quantities of radon gas into the atmosphere, risking workers. However, the risk to workers inhaling uranium dust may be less.
