Episode
How Uranium Mining Works
57:20
Published: Thu May 06 2021
Description
Mining uranium is dangerous work. Not only does it involve mining, which is dangerous itself, uranium is also found alongside some very radioactive stuff. Learn the ins and outs of this thrilling endeavor in this episode of SYSK. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chapters
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh and Chuck explore the topic of uranium mining, discussing its long history, the environmental and health risks involved, and the methods used to extract this highly valuable radioactive resource.
00:00 - 01:52 (01:52)
Summary
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh and Chuck explore the topic of uranium mining, discussing its long history, the environmental and health risks involved, and the methods used to extract this highly valuable radioactive resource.
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Natural uranium ore can be used to generate electricity and could potentially eliminate the need for nuclear enrichment, making nuclear energy a less problematic, low-carbon form of energy.
01:52 - 11:26 (09:34)
Summary
Natural uranium ore can be used to generate electricity and could potentially eliminate the need for nuclear enrichment, making nuclear energy a less problematic, low-carbon form of energy. The enriched uranium typically used in nuclear reactors for electricity generation is about 5% uranium-235.
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
A discussion about the impact of uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, with arguments both for and against the practice, and potential legislative solutions.
11:26 - 17:06 (05:40)
Summary
A discussion about the impact of uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, with arguments both for and against the practice, and potential legislative solutions.
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Uranium mining is a specialized industry and the miners need to be trained to recognize uranium.
17:17 - 24:47 (07:30)
Summary
Uranium mining is a specialized industry and the miners need to be trained to recognize uranium. Open pit and strip mining processes are used to extract ores located within a specific depth range from the surface.
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Uranium mining involves the extraction of ore from the ground, which is then leached with chemicals.
24:47 - 31:32 (06:45)
Summary
Uranium mining involves the extraction of ore from the ground, which is then leached with chemicals. Open pit mining often uses heap leaching to separate uranium from the earth, while underground mining involves drilling through an aquifer.
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The process of enrichment of yellow cake involves producing uranium-235 and stripping out other materials from it, which can be used for nuclear fuel or to create explosions.
31:32 - 35:26 (03:54)
Summary
The process of enrichment of yellow cake involves producing uranium-235 and stripping out other materials from it, which can be used for nuclear fuel or to create explosions.
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
A discussion on the future podcast topic of the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle and the potential for future episodes of the podcast featuring a attractive guests.
35:26 - 40:12 (04:46)
Summary
A discussion on the future podcast topic of the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle and the potential for future episodes of the podcast featuring a attractive guests.
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Gulf War veterans and uranium miners may have been exposed to depleted uranium toxicity and hazardous radon gas, which can lead to cancer and kidney failure down the road.
40:13 - 46:30 (06:16)
Summary
Gulf War veterans and uranium miners may have been exposed to depleted uranium toxicity and hazardous radon gas, which can lead to cancer and kidney failure down the road.
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The biggest expulsion of radioactive material in the US happened on July 16th, 1979, when a dam broke at the Church Rock uranium mill, and even the best designed mine operations have to figure out what to do with toxic tailings.
46:30 - 50:49 (04:18)
Summary
The biggest expulsion of radioactive material in the US happened on July 16th, 1979, when a dam broke at the Church Rock uranium mill, and even the best designed mine operations have to figure out what to do with toxic tailings.
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The episode discusses the significance of sound regulations and strict enforcement in preventing nuclear accidents and ensuring the safety of communities.
50:49 - 54:33 (03:44)
Summary
The episode discusses the significance of sound regulations and strict enforcement in preventing nuclear accidents and ensuring the safety of communities. The hosts also touch on the challenges faced by students and teachers during the pandemic.
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
David Eagleman introduces his new podcast Inner Cosmos, discussing the relationship between brains and experiences and exploring unusual questions.
54:33 - 55:52 (01:19)
Summary
David Eagleman introduces his new podcast Inner Cosmos, discussing the relationship between brains and experiences and exploring unusual questions.