Nuclear Energy

Resource
KEVIN LESTER B. LOBO GENESIS DAGOHOY OLARVE

PROFESSOR: DR. JEARK A. PRINCIPE, PH.D.

EGYE 201
Outline
1. Brief background about Nuclear Energy
2. Resource Specifications and Samples
3. Resource Estimates and Location
4. Resource Assessment
Nuclear Energy
BRIEF BACKGROUND
Other forms of Energy
Other forms of Energy
Other forms of Energy
Other forms of Energy
Other forms of Energy
Other forms of Energy
Other forms of Energy
 Nuclear Energy
A clean and reliable source of energy that is obtained by either fission (splitting the nuclei of an
atom into several parts) or by fusion (joining the nuclei of an atom together).
Both process generates a lot of heat that can be later turned into steam but the former process is
the most commonly used in nuclear power plants around the world.
Nuclear Fission
– an incident neutron is used to hit the nucleus on an atom of Uranium-235 causing it to split
into several parts producing heat and more neutrons in the process.
– the produced neutron will in turn hit other U-235 nucleus creating a chain reaction and
more heat in the process.

Image Source:
International Atomic Energy Agency: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-nuclear-energy-the-science-of-nuclear-power
https://www.eesi.org/nuclear
 Nuclear Fission

International Atomic Energy Agency: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-nuclear-energy-the-science-of-nuclear-power

Specifications and
Samples
URANIUM
 Uranium
➢ The most commonly used fuel for Fission
Nuclear Power plants all over the world.
➢ It is a naturally occurring element with an https://www.livescience.com/39773-facts-about-
approximate concentration of 2.8 ppm in the uranium.html
Earth’s crust.
➢ Silvery-white metallic element that is dense,
hard, malleable and can be polished
➢ Tarnishes in the air
➢ Poor conductor of electricity
➢ Slightly Radioactive (ore form)
➢ Melting point: 1,132°C
https://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-fuel-facts-uranium

Britannica encyclopedia: https://www.britannica.com/science/uranium

 Uranium Isotopes
➢ All three naturally occurring isotopes of uranium are
radioactive.
➢ Only U-235 is fissionable.
➢ Only 0.720% of the naturally occurring uranium is U-235.
➢ U-238 can be converted to Plutonium-239 which is another
fissionable material that can also be used as fuel for nuclear
reactors.
➢ Heating Value (U-235) ≈ 500 GJ/kg to 3,900 GJ/kg
➢ Other comparisons: 1kg of U-235 corresponds to 2.7 million
http://web.sahra.arizona.edu/programs/isotopes/uranium.html kg of coal

European Nuclear Society: https://www.euronuclear.org/glossary/coal-equivalent/

Resource Estimates and
Location
URANIUM
Where can it be found?
➢ Uranium is a fairly common metal.
➢ Uranium ores only contain a small amount of uranium
bearing mineral.
➢ May appear at both near surface (300 to 1,200m) and very
deep surface (1,000 to 4,000m).
Where can it be found?
➢ Typical Uranium concentrations as per the World Nuclear
Association (2021)

https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/uranium-
resources/supply-of-uranium.aspx
 World Uranium
Resources and
Production
➢ Resources: Australia, Kazakstan, Canada
➢ Production: Kazakstan, Canada and Australia

Source: World Nuclear Association

https://world-nuclear.org/information-
library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/uranium-
resources/supply-of-uranium.aspx
https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/mining-of-uranium/world-uranium-mining-production.aspx
 Uranium Resources in the
Philippines
➢ The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) conducted
preliminary survey on 1953 regarding abnormal radioactivity
at based and precious metal mines and mineralized districts.
➢ Iron Mines Inc. is the first to discover uranium occurrence
(Uraninite) on 1954 at Larap, Camarines Norte.

https://www.nytimes.com/1954/11/23/archives/uranium-
found-in-luzon-philippine-iron-mines-stock-soars-
following.html

Philippine Nuclear Research Institute: https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/energy/se/pdfs/UNFC/ws_IAEA_CYTED_UNECE_Oct12_Lisbon/23_Reyes.pdf

 Uranium Resources in the
Philippines
➢ Other prospected/surveyed areas:
• Tarlac
• Batangas
• Bicol
• Romblon
• Bicol
• Masbate
• Northern Palawan (Thorium)
• Cebu
• Bohol
• Other parts in Northern Luzon
https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/energy/se/pdfs/UNFC/ws_IA
EA_CYTED_UNECE_Oct12_Lisbon/23_Reyes.pdf

Philippine Nuclear Research Institute: https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/energy/se/pdfs/UNFC/ws_IAEA_CYTED_UNECE_Oct12_Lisbon/23_Reyes.pdf

Resource Assessment
EXPLORATION TECHNIQUES
 Exploration Techniques
Air bone Radiometric Survey
➢ Capable of detecting concentrations of Uranium, Thorium and
Potassium on the ground.

➢ Uses gamma ray detectors made from Sodium Iodine Crystals

that is attached to a helicopter or small plane.

➢ Height of sensors from the ground, Speed of flyby, Influence of

cosmic environment.

Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Hannover, Germany: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-nuclear-energy-the-science-of-
nuclear-power
 Exploration Techniques
Geochemical Sampling
https://www.sred.co.jp/english/business_info/exploration03.h
tml
➢ More specific exploration technique

➢ Stream sediments (fine sand), Soils or Subsoils and Rocks are

collected and are subjected for chemical analysis.

➢ Limited to surface level traces of the mineral.

https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/programmes-and-
projects/minerals/activities/mineral-exploration/Pages/Stream-
Sediments.aspx

Sumiko Resource Exploration and Development Co., Ltd.: https://www.sred.co.jp/english/business_info/exploration03.html

 Exploration Techniques
Exploration Drilling
➢ Much more specific (and more expensive) exploration
technique.

➢ The targeted spot is drilled until the deposits are reached or the
findings are proven.

➢ Which spot to drill, cost, hazardous

https://openei.org/wiki/Exploration_Drilling

Seequent – Geodata Management: https://www.seequent.com/uranium-exploration-a-guide-for-the-uninitiated/

Resource Assessment
EXTRACTION
 Extraction
Open Pit Mining
➢ Ideal extraction method for near-surface deposits of
the mineral.

➢ The top layer of soil and rocks are removed by heavy

equipment to get the ores.

➢ To ensure safety, the mines are cut into sections and

mined systematically.

➢ Explosives are also used to break large chunks of Open pit uranium mine in Namibia, Africa
rocks and expose the uranium ore https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Uranium_mining

University of Calgary, Energy Education: https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Uranium_mining

 Extraction
Underground Mining
➢ Ideal extraction method for ores
are more than 100 meters below
the surface.

➢ Done by digging a huge vertical

shafts up to the projected depths
of the ore.

➢ Then digging of horizontal

tunnels, ramps and chamber to
extract the uranium ores.

McArthur river underground mine in Canada ➢ Expensive and Hazardous (Cave-

https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Uranium_mining ins)

University of Calgary, Energy Education: https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Uranium_mining

 Extraction
Beverley wellfield, Heathgate Resources, Australia
In Situ Leach (ISL) or In Situ Recovery (ISR)
Mining
➢ Applicable extraction method only for resources that are in
aquifer; the sediments in the aquifer should be permeable
and must be between or sandwich by an impermeable layer.

➢ Done by dissolving the ores underground and recovering the

minerals by pumping the pregnant solution back to the
surface.

https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/mining-of-
uranium/in-situ-leach-mining-of-uranium.aspx

Heathgate Resources: http://www.heathgate.com.au/home.html

Resource Assessment
TRANSPORTATION, HANDLING AND STORAGE
 Transportation
Uranium Ore
https://oreflow.com.au/a-guide-to-choosing-a-mining-conveyor-belt/
➢ Ores and rocks are transported from the mining site to the
processing plants using backhoes and dump haul trucks.

➢ In the plant, the materials are crushed and screened, then

conveyed to the next processing area.

Salamanca Uranium Mine, Spain

https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/projects/sala
manca-uranium-project-spain/

NS Energy: https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/projects/salamanca-uranium-project-spain/
 Transportation
Used Uranium / Nuclear Waste
➢ Under normal conditions, it is relatively safe to
handle radioactive materials/waste.

➢ In West Virginia, USA, both low and high level

radioactive waste are placed in specially
designed lead-lined cask and are transported by
trains.

➢ For smaller volumes, the waste are put in a

smaller concrete cast and are shipped using
trucks.

➢ Proper hazard markings are highly essential

US Department of Energy: http://www.virginiaplaces.org/waste/transportnukewaste.html

 Handling
https://www.redkap.com/womens
-lab-coat/5210.html Uranium
➢ Using radiation posted fume hood for dusty and volatile
https://capintec.com/product/radiation-fume-
chemical form.
hoods/

➢ Lab coats and eye protection

➢ Appropriate gloves – latex or nitrile gloves are suitable

enough

➢ Shielded containers (Lead)

https://www.medicalexpo.com/prod/
nuclear-shields/product-126249-
915509.html
https://www.clinicallabmanager.com/man
➢ ALARA – As Low as Reasonably Achievable
agement/proper-use-of-personal-
protective-equipment-in-the-lab-256

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Environmental Health and Safety: https://ehs.unl.edu/sop/SP_SOP_Uranium.pdf

 Storage
Used Uranium / Nuclear Waste
➢ Spent Fuel Pools – serves as both shielding
from radiation and cooling of the rods.

➢ Dry Cask Storage – typical steel cylinders that

are either welded or bolted closed and is
surrounded by additional steel, concrete and
other radiation shielding.

https://www.neimagazine.com/features/f https://www.energy-
eaturedisposal-plans-part-1-spent- northwest.com/energyprojects/Columbia
fuel/featuredisposal-plans-part-1-spent- /Pages/Used-Fuel.aspx
fuel-427556.html

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission: https://www.nrc.gov/waste/spent-fuel-storage/dry-cask-storage.html

Resource Assessment
CONVERSION AND AFTER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGIES
 The solid uranium
Conversion is processed into Converted into Converted
again into
solid state
Technologies a gas (UF6)
solid state
(Final product)
Uranium Enrichment
➢ Natural uranium contains
only 0.7% of the U-235
isotope.

➢ The key is the difference in

mass of U-235 (atomic
mass = 235) and U-238
(atomic mass = 238) makes
it possible to increase the
percentage of the U-235 The enriched
isotope. The gas is gas is collected
put into a Converted into
centrifuge. liquid
Centrifuge
in series
https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-
cycle/conversion-enrichment-and-fabrication/uranium-enrichment.aspx Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited: https://www.jnfl.co.jp/en/business/uran/
 After Conversion Technologies
Plutonium
➢ Produced when the atoms of uranium absorbs neutrons inside
a reactor.

➢ Fissionable metallic element

➢ Total spent nuclear fuel from reactors in the United States

contains approximately 1% Plutonium by weight.

➢ Can be used as a fuel for Nuclear Reactors

➢ Can be used to make bombs. https://www.livescience.com/39871-facts-

about-plutonium.html

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission: https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/plutonium.html

 After Conversion Technologies
Cobalt-60
➢ Produced when the Cobalt-59 isotopes is irradiated by
neutrons inside a nuclear reactor.

➢ Used in the field of medicine for medical imaging, cancer

treatment and sterilization of medical equipment.

A doctor places a core into the helmet of a Gamma Knife device used for
radiation therapy. Gamma Knife devices use Cobalt-60 as a radiation source.
Image Credit: University of South Carolina Gamma Knife Center
https://www.physicscentral.com/explore/pictures/cobalt-60.cfm

Britannica encyclopedia: https://www.britannica.com/science/cobalt-60

 After Conversion Technologies
Depleted Uranium
➢ Produced as a by-product of natural uranium enrichment for
nuclear fuel.

➢ Used as shielding material for other radioactive materials such

as an industrial radiography cameras.

➢ Used in amor-piercing bullets, bombs and shells.

➢ Used as counterweight in aircrafts.

Drawing of the parts of a Radiography Camera
https://www.epa.gov/radtown/industrial-radiography

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission: https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/plutonium.html

Resource Assessment
RESIDUE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
 Residue and
Environmental Issues
➢ Uranium mines produces tailings in the form of
Randon gas emissions, windblown dust and
leaching of contaminants in the ground water.

➢ High-level Radioactive waste – by-product

radioactive isotopes during fission eventually
decay to a harmless material. But it takes a very
long time
• Strontium-90 and Cesium-137 – half life of 30 years
• Plutonium-239 – half life of 24,000 years
https://interestingengineering.com/american-alcohol-radioactive

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission: https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/radwaste.html

Online References
https://www.nei.org/fundamentals/what-is-nuclear-energy
https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-nuclear-energy-the-science-of-nuclear-power
https://nuclear.duke-energy.com/2013/01/30/fission-vs-fusion-whats-the-
difference#:~:text=Fission%20is%20used%20in%20nuclear,conditions%20for%20a%20fusion%20reaction.
https://www.livescience.com/39773-facts-about-uranium.html
https://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-fuel-facts-uranium
https://www.netclipart.com/isee/xRJiiJ_uranium-atom-periodic-table/
https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/facts-and-figures/heat-values-of-various-fuels.aspx
https://www.euronuclear.org/glossary/coal-equivalent/
https://www.nei.org/fundamentals/beyond-electricity
https://www.sred.co.jp/english/business_info/exploration03.html
Online References
https://www.bgr.bund.de/EN/Themen/GG_Geophysik/Aerogeophysik/Aeroradiometrie/aeroradiometrie_node_en.html
https://geosiamservices.com/services/airborne-services/airborne-radiometric-survey/
https://www.seequent.com/uranium-exploration-a-guide-for-the-uninitiated/
https://capintec.com/product/radiation-fume-hoods/
https://medium.com/prime-movers-lab/exploring-nuclear-safety-and-waste-251314bd4d66
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/alara.html
https://www.nrc.gov/waste/spent-fuel-storage/dry-cask-storage.html
https://medium.com/prime-movers-lab/exploring-nuclear-safety-and-waste-251314bd4d66
https://www.livescience.com/6463-uranium-enriched.html
http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2017/ph241/longstaff1/
https://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/pdfs/Fact_Sheets/Radon-Fact-Sheet_e.pdf
Thank you ☺