WATER IS NOT JUST A NATURAL RESOURCE BUT AT THE CORE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

By T. Byambanaran

Water is not only the foundation of life. It constitutes, without exaggeration, a key ethical benchmark and a central pillar of responsibility in modern mining operations. Around the world, water scarcity is growing more acute, and access to clean water has become one of humanity's most urgent challenges. In this context, there is a pressing need to intensify water exploration and research, protect groundwater reserves, and improve water management practices within the mining sector.

When mining operations rely on groundwater, it is essential to construct reservoirs, implement water recycling systems, and closely monitor the impact on water resources - especially in the extraction of strategic minerals like uranium, a critical raw material for nuclear energy.

In other words, water is far more than just a component of uranium mining. It is a strategic asset that underpins environmental protection, supports the livelihoods of local communities, and shapes the social license to operate for mining companies.

Of all water-related concerns, post-extraction rehabilitation is the most delicate and critical. In leading nuclear energy countries such as the United States and Canada, mining companies are legally required to restore groundwater quality to pre-extraction levels, or to levels that meet the needs of the local population.

UNDERGROUND LEACHING TECHNOLOGY: A RELATIVELY ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY APPROACH

In the uranium mining sector - which is consistently under public scrutiny due to its water use and environmental impact - the adoption of underground leaching technology, also known as in-situ recovery (ISR), has become increasingly widespread in recent years. This method is considered relatively environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and efficient for extracting low-grade ores, making it an attractive option for modern mining operations.

The key advantage of ISR lies in its approach: the ore is not brought to the surface. Instead, uranium is dissolved and extracted underground using a specially formulated leaching solution. This process significantly reduces surface disruption and avoids large-scale excavation.

In essence, ISR directly interacts with the groundwater environment. As such, the responsible use and protection of water resources stand at the intersection of technological advancement, environmental stewardship, and social accountability. Compared to traditional open-pit and underground mining methods, ISR typically requires lower capital investment and operational costs, and results in significantly less environmental impact and physical disturbance.

Originally introduced in the 1950s in the US state of Wyoming, ISR has since become a primary method for uranium extraction in that country. It is also widely adopted in other leading uranium-producing nations such as Kazakhstan, China, Russia, and Australia.

According to 2022 data from Statista, ISR accounted for the majority of global uranium production, yielding approximately 27,307 tons. In contrast, traditional underground and open-pit mining methods produced a combined total of 18,569 tons.

Beyond uranium, ISR technology is also employed in the extraction of other valuable minerals, including copper, gold, salt, lithium, and potassium.

EXTRACTION PROCESS

The underground leaching, or in-situ recovery (ISR), process follows a carefully controlled sequence. First, a leaching solution is injected into a uranium-bearing geological formation through specially drilled wells. Over time - usually over a month - the solution permeates the ore body and dissolves the uranium.

Once that has happened, the uranium-rich fluid is pumped back to the surface through extraction wells and transported to a processing plant. There, uranium is separated from the solution. The remaining fluid is then treated, recycled, and re-injected into the deposit. This closed-loop system helps reduce water consumption and supports more sustainable resource use.

However, the successful application of ISR technology depends on very specific geological conditions. The uranium-bearing sandstone layer must be completely confined by impermeable clay or shale layers above and below.

These natural seals are essential for containing the leaching solution within the target zone, minimizing the risk of contamination to surrounding groundwater systems. 

BEST PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES IN ISR MINING

While in-situ recovery (ISR) offers an economically efficient and relatively environmentally friendly method for uranium extraction, it remains inherently linked to groundwater management - and demands a high degree of responsibility. If not properly planned and implemented according to established standards, mining operations can pose significant risks to underground water resources. As a result, this issue has attracted growing attention at both international and local levels.

ISR technology primarily relies on a closed-loop system, which minimizes the use of fresh water by recycling the leaching solution. Injection and extraction wells are constructed with multiple layers and specialized casing to reduce the risk of solution leakage and prevent its spread into adjacent aquifers.

In addition, monitoring wells are installed throughout the mining zone to continuously observe the movement of the leaching solution and track changes in water quality. This allows for early detection of any unexpected spread of the leaching solution and enables timely corrective action when needed.

However, ISR does not eliminate all risks. As the leaching solution dissolves the uranium ore, there remains a possibility of the solution migrating beyond the intended zone, posing an ongoing threat to surrounding groundwater systems. Some studies have shown that fully restoring the natural quality of underground water after mining operations can be extremely difficult - if not impossible.

Moreover, the extraction process can release naturally occurring radioactive radon gas, and liquid waste is generated during uranium separation.

OVER 200 WELLS MONITOR ZUUVCH-OVOO GROUNDWATER

The Zuuvch-Ovoo project, located in Ulaanbadrakh soum of Dornogobi aimag, stands as a leading example in Mongolia's uranium mining sector. Operated by Badrakh Energy LLC, it is recognized as one of the world's most valuable uranium reserves.

According to Badrakh Energy, the project's groundwater characteristics and hydrogeological conditions have been rigorously studied since 2006 through the installation of more than 200 monitoring wells. These wells allow for continuous observation of key parameters, including water composition, flow direction, and the potential for seepage within the project area. This comprehensive monitoring enables early detection and effective management of any potential environmental impacts.

According to monitoring data, the uranium-bearing aquifer is securely confined by multiple layers of clay and impermeable rock, ensuring effective isolation from both surface water and potable groundwater sources. Furthermore, there are no drinking water sources in the vicinity of the mining site. The groundwater used in the extraction process is naturally high in sodium, chlorine, and uranium content, rendering it unsuitable for human consumption.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REACHES 98%

According to an environmental audit report issued in June 2023, the uranium mining operations conducted by Badrakh Energy LLC were found to be 98% compliant with environmental monitoring criteria. Importantly, no violations were identified related to water resource use or water quality.

The uranium ore body at the Zuuvch-Ovoo deposit lies 150-200 meters below the surface, embedded within a porous and permeable sandstone layer.

With an average uranium concentration of just 220 grams per ton of rock, traditional open-pit or underground mining methods were deemed economically unfeasible. As a result, the company determined that in-situ recovery (ISR) was the only viable extraction method.

As Mongolia moves towards becoming a uranium-producing nation, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible mining. Globally, companies that use the ISR method are obligated to restore groundwater quality to its baseline or pre-mining condition after operations conclude.

To meet these standards, a range of remediation techniques are applied, including filtering and purifying contaminated water, evaporation, and recycling of process fluids. Routine inspections of monitoring wells, as well as strict control of chemical substances and uranium concentrations in the leaching solution, are also key to minimizing environmental risks.

Looking ahead, conducting comprehensive assessments of the long-term impacts on local water sources and surrounding ecosystems - while maintaining transparency - will play a critical role in building trust and accountability within the sector. Water is not merely a resource for mining; it is a fundamental factor in public trust and social license. Therefore, beyond technological innovation, it is ethics, responsibility, and transparency that must guide the sustainable development of uranium mining in Mongolia.