New research by University of Alberta scientists on the risks for metal contamination at an inactive mining site in northwestern Saskatchewan could help inform a strategy for a safe long-term reclamation of the site.
New research by University of Alberta scientists on the risks for metal contamination at an inactive mining site in northwestern Saskatchewan could help inform a strategy for a safe long-term reclamation of the site.
The research team examined two environments at the Cluff Lake uranium mine site: two industrial mine pits and naturally occurring wetlands. Their results suggest that dispersed, nano-sized particles in water, known as colloids, play an important role in understanding the long-term stability of the site—despite the fact they are not examined during traditional monitoring practices.
“Normal practice in consulting does not include looking at these particles, but skipping this step may cause us to miss some of the ways metals such as uranium and nickel may disperse at the site,” said Konstantin von Gunten, a post-doctoral fellow in the Faculty of Science.
“Over time, these tiny particles containing metals may begin to collect and form into precipitating particles that could settle and accumulate, forming contaminated sediments.”
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Image via University of Alberta.
