GREY:JNRRF - Post by User
Post by
megphion Apr 13, 2003 1:06am
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Post# 6019021
Rumours on Cameco bullboard
Rumours on Cameco bullboardAlthough Cameco has not put out a news release stating this fact, it seems that the McArthur River uranium mine might be in much more trouble than previously stated. Some are speculating that it might be shut down forever in order to contain the radioactive water which is flooding the mine. Their pond is apparently near its capacity and there is no place to release this poisonous water.
The closing of this mine forever (only pure speculation at this time) would send the price of uranium sky-rocketing. It would mean that 17% of the world's uranium would be taken out of the supply chain. And no other mine produces uranium at such high grades. Even a prolonged stop in production would have a drastic upward effect on the price of uranium. I hope that the possibility of increased uranium prices will make it much easier for JNR to raise drilling capital.
SUBJECT: Hydraulic Plugs Posted By: miningman
Post Time: 4/12/03 14:23
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Right up front let me declare that I have already shorted this stock. This situation could VERY easily lead to the loss of the entire mine and we should know if that will occur within three weeks. The type of concrete construction required is referred to as a hydraulic plug. I have helped install five such plugs. They have to be designed to withstand the maximunm anticipipated hydrostatic head which in this case will probably prove to be 650 pounds per square inch. I would guess the concrete will be 20-30 feet thick. Even building such a structure in dry conditions is not easy... with large quantities of water running thru the construction site is is extremely difficult. Not impossible if there are no other critical issues but if the water reaches the electrical distribution system, thats when the loss of the mine wil be announced. This only adresses the underground construction. If the water has 170ppm, does anyone think the regulators will allow discharge into the environmentr if the surface plant is overwhelmed??
This is also a particularily bad time of the year for this to happen Spring breakup will produce large quantities of surface run off to replenish the underground aquifer.