Home Most Read
Most Read
  • Minfei JIN, Piyuan YI
    World Nuclear Geoscience. 2025, 42(2): 400-413. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-0636.2025.02.014

    Traditional mining operations,constrained by technological limitations such as insufficient accuracy in ore body exploration and low automation levels in mining equipment,as well as natural constraints including complex geological structures and harsh underground conditions,have long suffered from persistent systemic issues including low precision in mining processes,declining production efficiency, and accumulating safety risks,thereby severely constrained the high-quality development of the mining industry. With the rapid advancement of information technology,smart mining technology has emerged as a crucial solution to address these issues and promote industrial transformation. Based on systematic analysis and summarization of key technologies in smart mining,this study designed and developed an integrated management platform to achieve intelligent management and efficient operation of smart mines. Particularly through the integration and application of communication technologies,Internet of Things (IoT),big data analytics,and cloud computing,this platform significantly enhances mining safety and production efficiency. Through deep integration of 5G and IoT technologies,smart mining systems have significantly improved data transmission speed and stability while supporting massive real-time data transfer. IoT devices equipped with multiple sensors enable comprehensive monitoring of environmental parameters (temperature/humidity),equipment status,and personnel positioning,establishing a highly interconnected intelligent system. The convergence of big data and cloud computing technologies effectively addresses complex and massive data demands in mining operations,achieving real-time data sharing and distributed processing while optimizing data storage and computational efficiency. Combined with big data analytics,smart mining systems can rapidly analyze multi-dimensional data and perform deep mining to provide accurate trend predictions. Future advancements in technology and management models are expected to enable higher-level intelligentization and automation in smart mines,providing robust support for the high-quality development of the mining industry.

  • Jiebiao LI, Zhichao ZHOU, Jingbo ZHAO, Ming ZHANG, Ruili JI, Zijian JI, Yuehao ZHI, Zhen TIAN
    World Nuclear Geoscience. 2025, 42(3): 471-484. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-0636.2025.03.001

    Hydrogeological conditions are crucial for the site selection and long-term safety assessment of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) disposal repositories. This study focuses on the groundwater circulation characteristics of Xinchang preselected site and its southern periphery of the Beishan area for HLW disposal. A comprehensive approach employing multiple environmental isotopes, hydrodynamics, and numerical modelling was used to investigate groundwater circulation within the study area. Results indicated that groundwater in shallow loose sediments exhibited relatively rapid renewal rates, with an average age generally less than 30 years. The apparent 14C age of deep bedrock groundwater generally exceeding 10 ka within the underground research laboratory (URL) site. There was no evidence of contributions from deep crustal or mantle sources to groundwater within the region. Within the Xinchang site, the groundwater head shows pronounced vertical stratification, with a higher hydraulic head in shallow zones than in deeper ones. Groundwater in boreholes distant from the gully shows weak hydraulic connectivity with precipitation, and the groundwater level often exhibits periodic fluctuations. The groundwater flow systems can be categorized into three types: regional, intermediate, and local. The local flow system was the most active, accounting for over 80 % of the total flux. These characteristics showed that the hydrogeological conditions in the study area were favorable for the geological disposal of HLW.

  • Zhen TIAN, Jiebiao LI, Zhichao ZHOU, Yuehao ZHI
    World Nuclear Geoscience. 2025, 42(2): 343-359. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-0636.2025.02.010

    Deep geological disposal is currently internationally recognized most technically feasible method for the safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The chemical characteristics of groundwater at the disposal site are crucial for the design of engineering barriers and safety assessment of the disposal facility. This paper summarizes and compares the research achievements in groundwater chemistry,isotopes,and groundwater chemical modeling in the United States,Sweden,Finland,Switzerland,and France. Combining the foreign achievement with the current research status of high-level radioactive waste geological disposal in China,the paper proposes that China need to conduct further research on aspects such as the vertical distribution of groundwater chemistry at the site,groundwater microorganisms, dissolved gases in groundwater, the redox conditions of the site, and the paleoclimate of the site. Based on the above achievement,a hydrogeochemical model of the disposal site should be developed to evaluate the safety and stability of the disposal site at a timescale of tens of thousands years. This study aims to provide a reference for China’s research on groundwater chemistry at high-level radioactive waste disposal sites.

  • Chuan LYU, Xin WEI, Mengqi GAO, Shiwei HE, Tao NIE, Weiqing ZHAO
    World Nuclear Geoscience. 2025, 42(3): 504-514. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-0636.2025.03.003

    Zoujiashan uranium deposit is located in the west of Xiangshan ore field ,which is the biggest volcanic-type uranium ore deposits in China. The exploration in recent years have found some uranium ore bodies. Based on the finished achievement of the research and exploration practice, this papers summarized the location of uranium ore bodies in Zoujiashan as the 6 positions:1)fractures zones in main fault;2)steep parts created by volcanic collapse structures;3)the junction of faults;4)secondary fracture zone in the side of main fault;5)clamping parts of parallel faults;6)the junction of volcanic collapse structures,faults,interface of different rock. We proposed three favorable location for the future exploration, they are the stable fissure-dense sector of zone 2 in hanging the wall of F6 main faults,the secondary fissure sector of Zone 1 beside the F2 fault,and a “waterfall”-like interface between different rock strata in zone 4. The first and second sector should preliminary explore shallow;the third one may explore -250 m elevation or deeper. The proposed sector provide not ideas for exploring uranium deposit in Zoujiashan area,but also the resource for the mining enterprises.

  • Jinxin LI, Wei ZHAO, Yuanli NING, Xiaoliu YANG, Shengwei ZHU, Ruowen WANG
    World Nuclear Geoscience. 2025, 42(3): 582-595. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-0636.2025.03.009

    High-quality field seismic data are fundamental to the refined processing of seismic signals and the accurate interpretation of geological information. A scientifically designed observation system is essential to ensure data quality and imaging effectiveness. In complex geological settings,traditional acquisition systems are prone to insufficient energy coverage and imaging shadow zones,which hinder the identification of reflection signals and the detailed delineation of target structures. To enhance seismic imaging performance under such conditions,this study conducts a systematic investigation into acquisition parameter optimization for observation systems in structurally complex areas,based on an illumination analysis approach using the one-way wave equation. Forward illumination analysis is first employed to optimize the layout of sources and receivers, thereby improving energy coverage over target horizons. Subsequently,reverse illumination analysis is used to refine shot point densification,receiver array length,and channel spacing,aiming to enhance energy acquisition and wavefield coverage. A two-dimensional geological model is constructed,and forward modeling is performed to quantitatively compare the illumination energy distribution before and after optimization,leading to the determination of acquisition parameters that meet imaging requirements. Results show that the optimized observation system effectively reduces imaging shadows in complex structural zones,improves profile continuity and reflection energy response,and exhibits strong adaptability and engineering feasibility. The proposed optimization workflow has been applied and validated in an actual survey area,demonstrating consistent improvements in imaging performance. This work confirmed the practical value of illumination-based analysis in the acquisition design for complex geological conditions and established a parameter configuration methodology suitable for fault-intensive zones and sand body development areas,which will provide a replicable design reference and technical path for future seismic exploration.

  • Chunhui JIANG, Tangbo ZHOU, Xinwen GUO, Hangbing ZHOU, Zhi WANG
    World Nuclear Geoscience. 2025, 42(3): 515-526. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-0636.2025.03.004

    The southern section of Zone No. 9 in Mianhuakeng deposit is located in the middle of the Zhuguang pluton,which is a rich in uranium. The fault zone has undergone multiple tectonic and hydrothermal action ,forming the favorable space for uranium mineralization and storage. Through secondary development and utilization of data from previous exploration projects,this paper analyzes the change patterns of the ore bodies at different elevations in the southern section of Zone 9 by the statistics on grade and thickness. The results indicate that the ore body trend to be rich in the depth but remain stable in thickness on the whole with local widening. The occurring frequency of moderate and high-grade ore segments are increasing in the deep, which may be caused by the reduction environment in the deep. This understanding provides clues and basis for the next uranium predicting and prospecting.

  • Debao HE, Honghai FAN, Ruirui GENG, Jinyong CHEN, Yongjian WANG, Donghuan CHEN, Xu CHEN
    World Nuclear Geoscience. 2025, 42(2): 291-306. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-0636.2025.02.006

    The Rössing mine in Namibia is the earliest alaskite-type uranium mine,ranking the top 10 globe uranium mines. However,the backup resources are seriously insufficient,therefore it is urgent to carry out exploration to expand resources and ensure the sustainable development of the mine. Based on the secondary data development,the authors carried out field geological survey,large-scale geological mapping,and ground energy spectrum measurement on the main uranium deposits in the mining area,studied the typical uranium deposit and identified uranium mineralization characteristics and ore-controlling factors. It was considered that the alaskite-type uranium deposit was the products of regional tectonic-magmatic evolution,which was crystallized from granitic magma. The ore-forming material was derived from the anatexis of the ancient basement rocks. The diversity of source rocks and the heterogeneity of melting resulted in the capacity variations in the ore-bearing alaskite. The localization of the deposit is controlled by NNE-trending regional faults, dome (fold) turning ends and structural variation sites. Ore-bearing pluton intruded along the structural and weak stratigraphic planes,with post-mineralization hydrothermal alteration and supergene leaching and enrichment.On the basis of summarizing the geological background, metallogenic and ore-controlling pattern of uranium mineralization,this paper defined the prediction factors of uranium mineralization and extracted the prediction factors including uranium deposits buffer zones,alaskite distribution areas,regional tectonic buffer zones,marble exocontact zones,alteration development zones, aerial radiometric uranium anomaly zones and ground gamma spectrometry anomaly zones. Using the comprehensive information geological unit method,uranium metallogenic prediction was conducted and 14 new uranium prospective sectors were delineated in the Rössing mining licence area with approximately 140 000 tons potential resources. This achievement indicated significant uranium potential in the periphery of the Rössing deposit and worthy more exploration efforts. The 5 predicted level-A prospects are the focus for the next exploration. Among which,the A1(Z17-19)sector has been verified as a super-large uranium deposit through drilling,demonstrating remarkable prospecting achievements.

  • Han MA, Lijun YIN, Qiuming GONG, Hongsu MA
    World Nuclear Geoscience. 2025, 42(2): 329-342. doi:10.3969

    The Beishan high-level radioactive waste disposal pit in China is planned to be excavated by a small-diameter blind shaft boring machine,and the gage cutter is the key component of the boring machine to control the accuracy of the hole and the most vulnerable to loss. Its reasonable design and layout are the premise to realize the efficient excavation of the high-level radioactive waste disposal pit. In this paper,the linear cutting test of gage cutter is carried out for Beishan granite by using 11 inch round edge cutter preselected by small diameter blind shaft boring machine. The rock breaking process and vibration characteristics of gage cutter under different penetration depth and installation angle are analyzed. The test results show that under the same penetration depth,the average normal force of the 20° installation angle cutter is generally larger,the lateral force is smaller,but the average rolling force of the two cutters are closer. Under the same penetration depth,the average peak value of triaxial vibration acceleration of gage cutters with different installation angles is the largest in the lateral vibration acceleration,followed by the normal vibration acceleration and the tangential vibration acceleration. The larger the installation angle,the greater the difference in the triaxial vibration acceleration of the gage cutters,the greater the lateral vibration intensity,and the higher the frequency of the lateral high-amplitude vibration.With the increase of penetration depth,the triaxial vibration acceleration of the gage cutter increases,and the frequency of strong vibration in the rock breaking of the gage cutter increases. The influence of penetration depth on the lateral vibration acceleration of the gage cutter is more significant than that in the normal and tangential vibration accelerations. This study can also provide a reference for the optimal layout of the cutterhead of small-diameter blind shaft boring machine.

  • Yu SUN
    World Nuclear Geoscience. 2025, 42(3): 541-551. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-0636.2025.03.006

    Under the background of developing digital economy,the digital transformation of uranium exploration is facing structural imbalances,manifested as core contradictions such as the difficulty in integrating multi-source data,technology fragmentation,and the disconnection between data flow and business flow. This paper focused on the application requirements of digital exploration technology,proposes an information architecture model of “business logic reconstruction-data asset governance-technology middle platform empowerment”as a trinity,and designed the overall blueprint of the “54321 Project”,covering five types of application systems,four supporting systems,three platforms,two types of centers and one full-process data chain, so as to solve the problem of the broken chain of“data-knowledge-decision”. The closed-loop optimization of business flow,data flow and decision-making flow was achieved through a four-dimensional collaborative architecture system. Through the data middle platform and cloud platform,the management domain and the production domain are deeply coupled. A technical support system centered on the integration and application of multi-source data is constructed,forming an integrated data ecosystem of “mining-storage-treatment-utilization”,providing a replicable theoretical framework and practical paradigm for the digital transformation of uranium ore exploration.

  • Jin ZHANG, Chunming ZHONG, Xiang GAO, Xin ZHANG
    World Nuclear Geoscience. 2025, 42(3): 659-667. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-0636.2025.03.016

    This study monitored the activity concentrations of radionuclides in seepage water from a decommissioned uranium tailings pond,analyzed the temporal trends of radionuclide concentrations in seepage water from 2020 to 2024,and investigated the correlations between radionuclides in seepage water and monitoring well water to evaluate the radiological impact of seepage on surrounding groundwater. The results showed that the seepage water contained uranium at concentrations ranging from 15.1 to 397 μg·L-1,226Ra from 0.008 to 0.176 Bq·L-1,210Pb from 0.007 to 0.172 Bq·L-1,and 210Po from 0.004 to 0.021 Bq·L-1,levels of 226Ra,210Pb,and 210Po are all below regulatory limits. In monitoring well water,uranium concentrations ranged from 0.21 to 2.98 μg·L-1,226Ra from 0.006 to 0.023 Bq·L-1,210Pb from 0.004 to 0.131 Bq·L-1,and 210Po from 0.002 to 0.011 Bq·L-1,all consistent with local background levels. Analysis using the Mann-Kendall test revealed no significant temporal trends for uranium and 226Ra in seepage water,while 210Pb and 210Po concentrations exhibited declining trends and become stable. According to the evaluation results of Spearman correlation coefficient, the Spearman correlation coefficient ρs for uranium,226Ra,210Pb,and 210Po in the seepage water and monitoring well water were 0.314 3,0.074 4,0.939 5,and 0.460 5,respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between 210Pb and 210Po in monitoring well water and their counterparts in seepage water. These findings provided critical data and regulatory guidance for authorities and enterprises to strengthen radiation environmental monitoring and implement targeted management strategies, thereby mitigating potential risks to groundwater safety around uranium tailings facilities.