Innovative and Environmentally Friendly Uranium Extraction in the U.S. by enCore
In the United States, enCore employs an environmentally conscious approach to uranium production, adhering to stringent regulatory standards for minimal environmental impact. Unlike traditional mining, enCore utilizes in-situ recovery, a method that avoids open pits and large tailings facilities. This process involves extracting uranium directly from the formation using water and surface operations, without the need for heavy equipment or underground work. The in-situ method involves pumping groundwater from uranium-bearing sandstone, adding oxygen to dissolve the uranium, and then processing it through a system akin to a municipal water treatment plant. This process extracts about 85% of the uranium from the field, reoxygenating the water and repeating the cycle, ensuring an efficient and environmentally responsible production method.