uranium mine
A mine extracting uranium from natural deposits for subsequent use, commonly as fuel for nuclear power.
A uranium mine is a site for the extraction of natural uranium ore deposits from the earth. Uranium is a heavy, dense, gray metal, and a chemical element with atomic number 92. It is commonly used as a fuel for nuclear power generation. Uranium extraction can use underground or open-pit mining, or in-situ recovery where the deposit permits it.
The mine recovers uranium from its natural deposit. The amount of surrounding material can vary, so the designation does not impose a fixed ore grade.
A nuclear power plant uses fuel derived from uranium but does not thereby have a uranium-mining use. Extraction and power generation are separate activities.
Related definitions
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bauxite mine
A site where naturally occurring bauxite is extracted from the earth, mainly for aluminum production. -
chromium mine
A mine extracting natural chromium ore deposits, primarily the chromium-bearing mineral chromite. -
coal mine
A site where coal is systematically extracted from the earth through tunnels, open excavation, or blasting. -
copper mine
A mine extracting natural copper ore deposits, commonly containing copper-bearing minerals such as chalcopyrite. -
gold mine
A mine extracting natural gold deposits from the earth, including both open-pit and underground workings. -
iron mine
A mine extracting natural iron-bearing deposits, including ores such as magnetite and hematite. -
lead mine
A mine extracting natural lead-bearing deposits, either alone or together with metals such as zinc and silver. -
manganese mine
A mine extracting natural manganese ore deposits, commonly containing the mineral pyrolusite. -
nickel mine
A mine extracting natural nickel-bearing deposits, including laterite deposits and ores containing pentlandite. -
phosphate mine
A site where naturally occurring phosphate minerals are extracted from the earth. -
platinum mine
A mine extracting natural platinum-bearing deposits, including recovery alongside nickel or copper. -
salt mine
A mine extracting naturally occurring halite, or rock salt, from deposits within the earth. -
silver mine
A mine extracting natural silver-bearing deposits, often together with ores of other metals. -
tin mine
A mine extracting natural tin ore deposits, principally cassiterite, for recovery of tin. -
titanium mine
A mine extracting natural titanium ore deposits, especially minerals such as rutile and ilmenite. -
zinc mine
A mine extracting natural zinc ore deposits, commonly containing the mineral sphalerite.