Geology and uranium mining in the deposit of Schlema-Alberoda

Abstract

The Schlema-Alberoda vein uranium deposit was discovered after World War II when Russian geologists started the uranium exploration in Saxony. Up to this time just some historical mining attempts were known from this area and its radioactive water has been utilized in the former “Radium Spa Oberschlema” since 1913. In total, from 1946 to 1991 the Schlema-Alberoda deposit has produced about 80500 metric tons of uranium. The exploitation was carried out usually as longwall stoping (overhand, cut-and-fill). All uranium concentrations have been extracted rigorously, especially in the upper part of the Oberschlema central field. As a result, serious problems in mining as well as many fractures and subsidence damages on surface took place. This enforced the demolition of the centre of the former “Radium Spa Oberschlema. Because of the large-scale uranium mining operations with high intensity and complexity, the rehabilitation in the Schlema-Alberoda mining area is extensive too.