DE LOIRE -- shut downPurpose: production of uraniumType: underground and surface mines Location: Gorges (Loire-Atlantique) Operator: CEA; then after October 26,1977, Cogéma Period of operation: 1965-1991 Raw materials: uranium ore The mine produced 3570 tons of uranium. After mining ended, part of the site, where 1.2 million tons of "stériles" were stored, was purchased by the company Aubron et Mechineau, which owned a quarry in the area. ("Stériles" are rocks that are broken up during the mining process but not treated, because they contain very little uranium.) In 2008 the company filed with the prefect a request for authorization to reuse the "stériles" to surface roads. The prefect consulted ASN, which issued an opinion unfavorable to the request. ASN stated that its opinion is based on the technical insufficiency of the documents submitted by the company and on the impossibility of the company's ensuring the traceability of the "stériles" used [IRSNMim, 13.vi.09; ASN, Note d'information, 12.vi.09]. --posted 13 June 2009 copyright © by EcoPerspectives 2009 |