Uranium Mining Services

Transcription

1 Imagine the result Imagine the result Uranium Mining Services INNOVATIVE, SUSTAINABLE AND GROUNDED SOLUTIONS

2 Trusted Advisor for Total Solutions Uranium miners and nuclear materials processors face unique environmental management challenges, with numerous permitting and regulatory requirements and technically complex operations. ARCADIS provides innovative solutions for these challenges by engaging multidisciplinary teams of technical experts. Our goal is to be a trusted advisor for our clients environmental management and related engineering needs. ARCADIS provides uranium mining and uranium-affected site environmental management expertise in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries worldwide. This experience includes work on open pit, underground and in situ recovery (ISR) operations with a focus on nuclear facilities licensing, permitting, remediation, reclamation, and closure. ARCADIS technical specialists include engineers, hydrologists, hydrogeologists, geochemists, and radiochemists. Our depth of expertise also includes radionuclide environmental fate and transport, specifically for uranium and associated daughter radionuclides, as well as other actinides and fission products. ARCADIS geochemists and radiochemists work closely with hydrogeologists, remediation engineers, and risk assessors to develop optimal control and treatment strategies for soil, surface water, and groundwater affected by mining, milling, and nuclear fuel processing operations. This expertise, and in-depth understanding of uranium environmental chemistry is unparalleled in the industry. OUR EXPERTISE, AND IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF URANIUM ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY, IS UNPARALLELED IN THE INDUSTRY.

3 Uranium Mining Services Uranium Services throughout the Mine Lifecycle ARCADIS provides uranium services to minimize environmental impact at every stage of the mine lifecycle. We use cross-functional teams of scientific and engineering specialists to gain a thorough understanding of the project to develop complete solutions. Our teams see beyond the immediate challenge to anticipate how the solution may help solve future challenges of the mine life and provide successful closure and reuse at the end of it. Baseline Studies, Permitting, and Compliance Impact assessments (environmental, social/ socioeconomic, economic) Baseline environmental investigations Community and regional profiles Issues identification and scoping Conceptual site models Human health and environmental risk assessments Health and safety and environmental audits and assessments Radiation safety services Air quality, modeling, and permitting Groundwater and surfacewater resources evaluations Environmental management system development Compliance audits Due diligence for asset acquisitions and divestitures Socioeconomic management programs (mitigation, enhancement, benefits, and monitoring) Environmental and socioeconomic effects monitoring plans and programs Government and regulatory liaison Geochemistry Geochemical characterization Radionuclide chemistry Geochemical and reactive transport modeling Pit lake modeling Mine materials management planning Radiological and mixed waste investigations Sustainable Mine Water Management Engineering/design and construction Water infrastructure management Site-wide water management Innovative technology evaluations and waste management Water supply and conservation Information Management and Data Visualization Electronic data collection Data management and reporting Enhanced three-dimensional (3-D) visualization and data analysis Animations Hydrology and Hydrogeology Stormwater control and management Groundwater and surfacewater resources evaluations Groundwater monitoring and flow modeling Site-wide water balances Solute transport modeling Dewatering evaluations and projects Well construction and testing Design and construction services Bench-, pilot-, and full-scale treatability testing Surface- and groundwater in situ treatment systems Radioactive waste remediation design Radioactive mining and milling waste management Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Development and costing of decommissioning plans Public and stakeholder engagement Indigenous peoples consultations Multi-stakeholder planning and issue resolution processes Communications plans Web-based visualization, communications, and document management tools Key-person interview programs Benefit and mitigation negotiations and facilitation Community investment and relation plans and programs Public forum organization and facilitation Survey, hotline, and website development Closure and Reclamation Development and costing of decommissioning plans Community and government information and consultation Reclamation plans Revegetation design Reclamation quality assurance plans Reclamation monitoring Facility inspections WE USE CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAMS TO DEVELOP COMPLETE SOUTIONS.

4 Areas of INNOVATION In Situ Treatment Expertise ARCADIS is the industry leader for in situ uranium treatment, with demonstrated experience in the chemical and biological treatment of mine water. We currently have an active full-scale in situ groundwater treatment project involving the anaerobic reduction and bioprecipitation of uranium. This approach is designed to encapsulate and passivate the precipitated uranium, providing longterm protection and stability, which we have verified using high-resolution analytical methods. ARCADIS was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management to demonstrate anaerobic bioprecipitation technology. In addition to anaerobic approaches, we are working on a technique for stabilizing uranium in sediments through the formation of phosphatebased minerals stable under oxic conditions. Transport Modeling The fate and transport of uranium is governed by a complex suite of geochemical processes, including dissolution and (co) precipitation, oxidation and reduction, formation of aqueous phase complexes, and adsorption. Adequately accounting for these processes is critical in the development of accurate and realistic conceptual site models and for evaluating the long term effectiveness of treatment strategies. Employing any geochemical model requires the sound judgment of an experienced geochemist to recognize model gaps, inaccuracies, and pitfalls. ARCADIS geochemists have the education and experience required for modeling the geochemistry and reactive transport of uranium and associated trace elements and radionuclides, with trusted experience in modifying widely-used thermodynamic databases to incorporate the latest scientific findings on the potential forms of uranium in the environment. ARCADIS Treatability Laboratory Testing The ARCADIS in-house treatability laboratory has the equipment and expertise necessary for bench testing innovative treatment approaches in batch and column studies. Our laboratory regularly conducts chemical testing for sample characterization (e.g., sequential selective extraction). Having these testing capabilities, allow our treatability laboratory experts to work closely with our project technical team to develop, test, and optimize remediation strategies for successful application in the field. Information Management and Data Visualization ARCADIS recognizes that information management plays a key role in the success of uranium mining projects. We employ our proven Site to Sight SM solution to organize, prioritize, evaluate, and disseminate project-related information to project teams and stakeholders. This is accomplished through the combined use of a relational database for smart data management; mobile devices for electronic data collection; visualization, analysis, and reporting tools, like geographic information systems and Mining Visualization System (MVS); a web mapping interface for data visualization or direct data access (eprism); and a project portal to facilitate good document management and communications. Site to Sight SM enables us to iteratively collect, manage, and report on the nature and extent of constituents of concern present at the surface and subsurface and inform and engage stakeholders in the most cost-effective and productive way possible. University and Government Research Collaborations Uranium Mining Services Our technical experts work at the scientific forefront of uranium treatment technologies. In addition, we continue to collaborate on uranium projects with members of the academic and government research communities, including the Colorado School of Mines, the U.S. Geological Survey, Canadian Light Source (Saskatoon), and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. ARCADIS believes that active collaboration and contact with other scientific researchers is one of the best ways to stay at the cutting edge of innovative and cost-effective uranium treatment approaches. Water Resources Management and Optimization Water is no longer perceived as only a minor risk to successful mining operations it can be a limiting factor to optimal mine productivity, facility expansion, and positive stakeholder relationships. Optimization includes the systematic evaluation of water resources, water uses, and quality requirements and reuse/recycling strategies. It is essential to evaluate not only water quantity and quality, but also the mining operation s strategy, organizational structure, and operational processes for managing its water. ARCADIS has developed best water management practices from project success optimizing water supply and reuse strategies, improving metals recovery, and developing innovative treatment solutions. We apply these practices so that our clients have an effective water management system that meets compliance requirements while aligning with corporate stewardship objectives and business goals. Enhanced 3-D Visualization and Geologic Modeling Environmental and Socioeconomic Impact Assessments ARCADIS IS THE INDUSTRY LEADERING MINING TECHNOLOGY Radionuclide Chemistry Our expertise in radionuclide chemistry is second to none. Our staff consists of geochemists with academic, government, and national laboratory experience in radionuclide chemistry. ARCADIS brings a broad knowledge base and decades of experience working with DOE and in the nuclear power industry on all types of regulated radioactive wastes. We have a systematic approach to understanding and addressing enhanced TENORM and NORM, with a foundation firmly based on site geology, geochemistry, and associated processes. Three dimensional geologic modeling and subsurface visualization techniques are proven and powerful data analysis tools for many geoscience applications and have been used in mine planning and design for many years. However, they are currently underutilized by environmental practitioners in the analysis of geologic, hydrologic, and contaminant data and the effective communication of the results to stakeholders. ARCADIS has extensive experience using MVS, a state-of-the-art 3-D software package that can effectively combine analytical results from soil and water analyses with lithologic data obtained during visual core logging, cone penetrometer testing, hydraulic profiling testing, and geophysical logging to develop comprehensive, quantitative site conceptual models. For ARCADIS, development of a detailed and accurate, yet focused site understanding is the critical first step in providing the best overall value to our clients. ARCADIS conducts impact assessments to evaluate many different types of mines, projects, programs, and development alternatives. We have assessed hundreds of comprehensive and complex projects around the world, for project sponsors and for regulators. Our approach focuses on finding ways to minimize the negative environmental, social, and economic effects associated with a proposed project while enhancing project benefits, public disclosure and communications, and opportunities for involvement that are aligned with the rights and interests of indigenous peoples, landowners, area residents, and their governments. We then design appropriate monitoring programs and adaptive management processes that build trust among regulators, governments and neighbors alike. ARCADIS has efficient and well-qualified in-house specialists with significant experience working together as interdisciplinary teams and the professional judgment and technical capabilities to identify and manage any environmental or socioeconomic concerns for our clients projects.

5 ARCADIS Project Success Uranium Mining Services The ARCADIS team provides comprehensive environmental services for our uranium-mining clients that are innovative, technically sound, cost-effective, and compliant. We have successfully completed projects at every stage of the mine lifecycle from exploration and planning and mining operations to restoration and sustainable closure. Uranium Groundwater Remedy Reduces Remedial Timeframe and Improves Treatment Performance ARCADIS assisted with optimization of a groundwater remedy for a large mill tailings site in the western U.S. Essential to this project was ARCADIS expertise in hydrogeology, geochemistry, and engineering. The site consisted of a large groundwater plume (composed of uranium, selenium, molybdenum, and sulfate) in an alluvial aquifer overlying a complex interbedded deep aquifer system. In addition, a uranium mill tailings pile continued to drain and was being hydraulically manipulated to recover tailings pore water. ARCADIS provided technical support in response to regulatory and stakeholder evaluations of the current treatment systems. ARCADIS also assisted with optimization of the treatment systems to evaluate performance through groundwater tracer testing, as well as mass loading across the tailings pile source and groundwater aquifer system. An additional component was the evaluation of alternatives to hydraulic containment and extraction, which included in situ treatment and innovative approaches to immobilize uranium in situ in stable mineral phases within the aquifer system. Through close collaboration among scientists and engineers, the team improved site operations and enhanced stakeholder communication and remedial performance to meet regulatory schedule for closure. Reclamation Strategy Provides Sustainable Mine Footprint ARCADIS provided support for a uranium mine in the reclamation phase in the Western U.S. The mine site includes a pit lake, waste rock piles, radioactive material storage cells, flooded underground workings, and sediment control impoundments. Support included water quality monitoring and quality assurance/quality control, springs and seep surveys, annual reporting to five state and federal agencies, geotechnical monitoring of land surface stability, and final closure reclamation planning and implementation. ARCADIS evaluated geochemistry and mineralogy across the mine site and prepared a reclamation strategy that enhances natural conditions, leading to a stable and sustainable mine footprint over the long term. Human Health Risk Assessment Assures Stakeholders ARCADIS provided expert technical support to assess health risks associated with wind-blown tailings containing metals and uranium distributed over a residential area during several large dust storms (haboobs). The site is an active copper mine located within a half mile of a residential area. The work involved sampling and analytical support, risk evaluation of metals in tailings and background dust, PM10 evaluation, and airborne dust modeling via U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) AERMOD software. In addition, ARCADIS provided risk communication support. The risk assessment was submitted to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and the public and comments from nongovernment organizations were addressed. There were no lingering issues associated with human health, and the community has not raised further issues. In-house Models Predict Gamma Radiation Radon in Compliance Total Minatco Limited; AREVA/COGEMA Resources Inc., Saskatchewan, Canada ARCADIS/SENES participated in the preparation of the initial environmental impact statement (EIS) for the McClean Lake project in early 1990 and in subsequent presentations before the Environmental Assessment Review Panel. The team contributed to various aspects of the EIS including: design of wastewater treatability studies and evaluation of treatment technologies; worker radiation exposure assessment and mill design feature to reduce radiation levels; waste rock characterization and management investigations; air dispersion modeling of conventional pollutants and radioactive constituents; environmental characterization and detailed pathways modeling of radioactive and non-radioactive contaminant transport through the aquatic, atmosphere and terrestrial environments; and assessment of residual effects following implementation of mitigation measures. In recent years, ARCADIS carried out comprehensive pathways analyses and human health and ecological risk assessments for incorporation into environmental assessments for processing of ores from Cigar Lake, Midwest and Sue E Mines at the McClean Lake Mill. Support of Three Year Action Plan, Answering Community Concerns of Former Mineral Processing Operations Northwest Territories, Canada Port Radium, located on the eastern shore of Great Bear Lake, just south of the Arctic Circle, is the site of former radium (1930), uranium ( ), and silver ( ) mining and mineral processing operations in the Northwest Territories. As a result of more than 50 years of site activities, community concerns existed with respect to the environmental condition of the site, and possible on-site and off-site impacts associated with the site in its current state. In response, the Canada- Déline Uranium Table (CDUT) was established and a Three Year Action Plan was developed to address these concerns. Components of ARCADIS/SENES work program included the planning, development, and implementation of three site assessments, sample collection and monitoring programs; a quantitative human health and ecological risks assessment for the site; and the development and presentation of remediation options. Assessment of Radiation Exposure for Workers Reinforces Revised Mine Plan Cameco Corporation, Saskatchewan, Canada ARCADIS/SENES provided consulting services to Cameco for assessment of radiation levels to workers at the Cigar Lake Mine underground operations. The purpose of the work was to verify that the revised mine plan will work as proposed from a radiation protection point of view. Exposure rates from different sources of gamma radiation, radon and radon progeny, and long-lived radioactive dust were assessed for various underground worker categories, and total exposure levels were estimated based on a time/task schedule for each worker category. An uncertainty analysis was also completed to account for the impact of variations in key parameter values (e.g. ore grade, number of hours spent in different locations, dust) on the total exposure levels. Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment Successfully Addresses Nuclear Safety Commission Concerns Barrick Gold Corporation, Ontario, Canada ARCADIS/SENES assisted in the preparation of an application for a Waste Nuclear Substance Licence for the Bicroft Tailings Storage Facility near Bancroft, Ontario. The Bicroft Mine/Mill facility operated between 1956 and 1963 and produced 2,600,000 tons of tailings which were deposited in two separate basins. ARCADIS /SENES was retained to undertake screening level human health and ecological risk assessments (SLHHERAs) of residual contamination at the former uranium mine site to address concerns raised by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The SLHHERAs required detailed characterization of current site conditions for both radiological and chemical constituents of potential concern. The results of the exposure assessments for people living in the study area showed that the potential of adverse effects was low with predicted exposures well below accepted reference values. Similarly, exposure estimates to aquatic and terrestrial species were mostly found to be below accepted toxicity reference values. Effective Development of Defensible TENORM Strategies NORM issues from minerals associated with many metals deposits in the Southwestern U.S. milling processes can, result in the technological enhancement of NORM (TENORM) in leach solutions and raffinates. ARCADIS provided geological, geochemical, and hydrogeological support to hard rock mining operations to manage TENORM issues. This support included development of a clear understanding of local regulations related to TENORM, investigation of surface- and groundwater to delineate the extent of TENORM, and process solution management strategies. ARCADIS experts worked closely with mine staff and local regulators to provide a clear understanding of the issues to develop technically defensible strategies for the basis of negotiations with regulators, without interruption of mining operations.

6 OUR GOAL IS TO BE A TRUSTED ADVISOR FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND RELATED ENGINEERING NEEDS. Safety First A Real Commitment, A Daily Issue: Safety Tracking to Zero: Integrating Health and Safety into Every Project. Providing a healthy and safe work environment is an integral ARCADIS value and a key element of the solutions we provide. Our clients demand robust programs that involve continuous improvement, strong leadership and employee engagement. We address these concerns through our risk-and behavior-based health and safety management program, proactively identifying and prioritizing risks, developing robust approaches to eliminate or minimize these risks, and keeping health and safety first in everything we do. As a result, ARCADIS workrelated injury and illness rates are currently below industry benchmarks.

7 About ARCADIS: ARCADIS is a leading international company providing consultancy, design, engineering and management services in infrastructure, water, environment and buildings. We enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life by creating balance in the built and natural environments. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With 22,000 employees and more than $3.3 billion in revenues, the company has an extensive global network supported by strong local market positions. ARCADIS supports UN-HABITAT with knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life in rapidly growing cities around the world. ARCADIS U.S., Inc. 630 Plaza Drive Highlands Ranch, Colorado Together we can do a world of good V02