Geochemical characterization of uranium mill tailings (Bois Noirs Limouzat, France) highlighting the U and Ra retention.

As with other metals, the management of tailings from former uranium (U) mines requires a good knowledge of the geochemical mechanisms governing the retention of radioelements of interest: U and Ra. This article presents the results of the study of the bearing phases featuring these two radioelements within the Bois Noirs Limouzat tailings storage facility (Loire), the only site in France where the tailings (a sandy silt facies and a clayey silt facies) are currently stored only under water. The aim is to gain a better understanding of their respective mobility under current storage conditions.