Date: 24 October 2024
Location: Stráž pod Ralskem, Czech Republic
Photos: https://2024.minexeurope.com/forum-24-october/
The Czech Republic is home to about 14 historic uranium mining sites. Once a major player in uranium production, yielding over 2,500 tonnes annually, the industry saw a steep decline after the fall of the Communist regime in 1990 and the start of the nuclear disarmament which dramatically reduced the need for uranium mining.
From 1946 to 2022, a total of 130,500 tonnes of uranium was extracted. By 1994, annual production had fallen to 600 tonnes, and by 2016, it was just 138 tonnes. After the closure of the Rožná mine, production dwindled to a few tonnes per year from the previous in-situ leaching operations at Hamr-Stráž pod Ralskem in northern Bohemia. DIAMO was subsequently established to oversee extensive cleanup and remediation efforts.
As part of ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the European mining sector, the participants of the MINEX Europe Forum had the chance to visit the DIAMO’s post-mining reconciliation at Stráž pod Ralskem former mine site located approximately 100 kilometres away from Prague. Attendees observed a significant groundwater remediation project, valued at 2 billion euros, which has been initiated following 32 years of uranium and coal mining in the region. The project is slated for completion by 2042.
Even though mining has ceased, significant uranium reserves—approximately 160,000 tonnes—remain in sandstone deposits near Stráž pod Ralskem. However, these reserves lie beneath a major drinking water aquifer, complicating extraction efforts. DIAMO employs in-situ leaching technology to extract uranium from contaminated sites, producing a uranium-rich concentrate known as “yellow cake,” which is sold back to the state, helping to offset cleanup costs.
The visit began with an overview of the history of uranium mining in the Czech Republic, followed by an introduction to DIAMO’s mining history and remediation efforts in Stráž pod Ralskem.
Participants first reflected at the Hamr I underground mine memorial site, honoring the challenges and achievements of past miners. They then examined the hydraulic barrier in Stráž, an innovative technological solution that facilitates the simultaneous use of different mining methods. The guide’s explanation highlighted how engineering can help minimize environmental impact while enhancing efficiency.
The tour continued to the leaching fields, where attendees learned about the in-situ leaching method. Observing a remediation well in operation demonstrated the ongoing efforts to responsibly extract uranium while restoring the land.
At the chemical station, participants engaged with the science of uranium extraction, learning about ammonium diuranate, or yellowcake, and the processes involved in uranium sorption. This practical demonstration underscored the complexities of mining operations and the significance of chemical management in the industry.
The tour concluded at the NDS10 remediation technology site, where participants witnessed how residual technological solutions are neutralized and filtered, alongside a view of the tailings dump. The technologies in place are essential for ensuring that the land can be reclaimed and safely utilized for future generations.
The Czech Republic’s experience in uranium mining and remediation serves as a case study for the global mining industry, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic activities with environmental protection and sustainable development. The ongoing efforts by DIAMO and regulatory bodies to manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of past mining activities are crucial for ensuring that the land can be safely reclaimed and used for future generations.
