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Uranium ore deposits are economically recoverable concentrations of uranium within Earth's crust. Uranium is one of the most common elements in Earth's crust, being 40 times more common than silver and 500 times more common than gold . [ 1 ]
Uranium has the highest atomic weight of all naturally occurring elements. Uranium occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock and water, and is commercially extracted from uranium-bearing minerals such as uraninite. Uranium ore can be mined from open pits or underground excavations.
Historically uranium was also used in applications such as uranium glass or ferrouranium but those applications have declined due to the radioactivity and toxicity of uranium and are nowadays mostly supplied with a plentiful cheap supply of depleted uranium which is also used in uranium ammunition.
Uranium ore refers to naturally occurring rock or mineral deposits that contain a sufficient concentration of uranium, a radioactive element, to make its extraction economically viable. Uranium is a relatively rare element and is typically found in trace amounts in the Earth's crust.
Uranium occurs in combination with small amounts of other elements. Economically recoverable uranium reserves are located in the western United States, Australia, Canada, Central Asia, Africa, and South America.
Ore mined from open-pit and underground mines travels to a conventional mill, where it is crushed, ground and leached to dissolve the uranium. Most of the ore is barren rock or other minerals that are not dissolved in the process.
In the 20th century, uranium ore was mostly mined from open pits or underground excavation sites, which required the ore to be crushed and refined to separate uranium from other elements. In the 21st century this method has been gradually replaced by “in-situ leaching”.
Uraninite is a uranium oxide mineral and the most important ore of uranium. It received its name from its uranium content. Uraninite is highly radioactive and should be handled and stored with care. It is not a suitable mineral for classroom use.
In a conventional uranium mine and mill, uranium ore is extracted from the Earth, typically through deep underground shafts or shallow open pits. The ore is transported to a mill, where it is crushed and undergoes a chemical process to remove the uranium.
For additional information about uranium ore deposits, as well as coverage of mining, refining, and recovery techniques, see uranium processing. For comparative statistical data on uranium production, see table.