Mining and remediation at the Straz pod Ralskem uranium deposit

Abstract

The presented paper brings brief information about the history of chemical uranium mining in the area of Straz pod Ralskem. It further presents the extent of environmental contamination caused by the operations of in-situ uranium leaching during 32 years. There is more than 370 million m3 of affected ground water, in which almost 5 million contaminating substances are dissolved. In conclusion, descriptions of used and forward-looking surface technologies of contamination removal involving time and financial assessments of the entire remediation process are given. It is envisaged that the remediation will take nearly 25 years and the total costs of its implementation are estimated in the amount of CZK 40 billion.