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COMIN: rehabilitation of former mining sites

Shirley Basin in Wyoming, USA

COMIN, a subsidiary of AREVA, holds a 71% interest in mining permits in Wyoming and Texas. The company is currently carrying out rehabilitation of mined sites, notably in Texas. It anticipates resuming operation of residual deposits with remaining mining potential in Wyoming. These resources are estimated at 8,200 metric tons.

AREVA acquired the mining properties of TOTAL in Texas and Wyoming through a joint venture between COMIN (71%) and EDF (29%) in 1993. COMIN then became operator of the following sites:

  • Holiday/El Mesquite, O’Hern and West Cole in southern Texas;
  • Irigaray and Christensen Ranch in the Powder River basin in Wyoming.

These uranium deposits, brought to light in the 70s, were mined with in situ alkaline leaching until 1996 in Texas and until 2000 in Wyoming.

Restoration of aquifers and site rehabilitation

COMIN finished restoring aquifers for the mined sites and is continuing to rehabilitate the sites in Texas.

  • The restoration consists of rinsing the affected aquifers by eliminating affected products and by channeling the residue obtained in the form of brine into a deep well (non-potable aquifer).
  • The restoration includes reclaiming well sites, surface facilities (satellite and central plants) and access roads.

In the United States, the restoration of aquifers and the rehabilitation of mining sites must comply with established regulatory requirements pertaining to the environment on both a state and federal level by the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission), the nuclear safety authority.

  • In Texas, the restoration of aquifers has been completed, and work to rehabilitate mined pits and surface installations will be completed in 2010.
  • In Wyoming,  the restoration of aquifers has been completed, and work to rehabilitate mined pits  is finished. Surface installations (plant, satellite plant, workshops and offices) are on standby for an eventual relaunch of activities.

Contact

COMIN
P.O. Box 730935 Pendell Boulevard
82644 Mills, Wyoming, USA
Tel.: +1 307-234-5019
Tel.: +1 307-473-7306