Paper
Mining the high grade McArthur River uranium
Published 2005 · B. Jamieson
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Abstract
The McArthur River deposit, discovered in 1988, is recognized as the world's largest, highest grade uranium deposit, with current mineable reserves containing 255 million 1b U308 at an average grade of 17.33% U3O8. In addition the project has resources of 228 million pounds U3O8 averaging 12.02% U308. Mining this high-grade ore body presents serious challenges in controlling radiation and in dealing with high water pressures. Experience from the underground exploration programme has provided the information needed to plan the safe mining of the massive Pelite ore zone, which represents the most significant source of ore discovered during the underground drilling programme, with 220 million pounds of U3O8 at an average grade in excess of 17%. Non-entry mining will be used in the high-grade ore zones. Raise boring will be the primary method to safely extract the ore, with all underground development in waste rock to provide radiation shielding. Water will be controlled by grouting and perimeter freezing. The ore cuttings from the raise boring will be ground underground and pumped to surface as slurry, at an average daily production of 150 tonnes. The slurry will be transported to the Key Lake mill and diluted to 4% before processing. The annual production is projected to be 18 million lb U3Og. The paper focuses on the activities undertaken since discovery, including the initiation of the raise bore mining method utilized to safely mine this highgrade ore body. Radiation protection, environmental protection and worker health and safety are discussed in terms of both design and practical implementation.
The McArthur River uranium deposit can be safely mined using raise boring, radiation protection, environmental protection, and worker health and safety measures.
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