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Urenco-backed research advances solutions to mining wastewater
29 May 2026 Global SustainabilityUrenco provided initial funding for a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) to investigate how radioactive tracers could enable more effective treatment of mining wastewater - including uranium mining and ore processing.
Studies from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have proven that reedbeds are effective in retaining up to 95% of pollutants in wastewaters. Constructed wetlands* have been identified as systems for treating waste waters in order to improve the removal of hazardous components.
The latest research uses a radioactive tracer technique to evaluate the flow of liquid at strategic locations around the constructed wetlands.
To be a part of this research, 37 IAEA member states submitted formal requests, resulting in 21 of them being accepted. This led to five research agreements and 16 research contracts.
The first Research Coordination Meeting (CRPM) took place in Vienna between 3-7 November last year.
Completion of the CRP is expected to improve understanding of constructed wetlands and demonstrate how they can be utilised as a safer, more sustainable, nature-based treatment option for mining waste waters.
Robert Little, Head of Urenco’s Group Sustainability Programme said:
“Urenco is proud to have contributed to this research project to find novel, nature-based solutions to managing waste water from mining operations. This includes potential applications in uranium mining, which more broadly is part of Urenco’s value chain.”
Tzanka Wheldon, Director of the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences at the IAEA said:
“We are grateful to Urenco for their support in launching this Coordinated Research Project. Constructed wetlands present a cost effective, environmentally friendly and highly efficient solution for removing pollutants -such as those commonly found in uranium mine wastewater- by harnessing natural biological and geochemical processes. The data gathered through this initiative will enhance our capacity to treat contaminants in mine water with greater effectiveness.”
*Constructed wetlands refer to engineered, man‑made systems designed to mimic natural wetlands for the purpose of treating wastewater or agricultural runoff.
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About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of uranium enrichment services, fuel cycle products and related solutions with sustainability at the core of our business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for over 50 years, Urenco understands the importance of energy security and facilitates the reliable delivery of low carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office in London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Through our technology and the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services, operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is making a positive contribution to global climate change goals through our core business and we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
We are committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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