Uranium Occurrence, Deposits and Mines in Poland

Abstract

Satisfying energy needs of the society and economy while preserving the principles of sustainable development and price competitive - ness is the main objective of the state’s energy policy. This aim can be achieved through the use of modern zero-emission technologies, including the nuclear power. A research paper titled “The Program of the Polish nuclear power” from 2014 included an assumption of the construction of nuclear power stations by 2030. This will be connected with the necessity of securing the uranium supplies. The uranium ore was extracted in Poland in the years 1948–1968. Nearly all mines were located in the Sudeten mountains. Uranium was also extracted in the Staszic pyrite mine in Rudki (the Świetokrzyskie Mountains, also referred to as the ‘Holy Cross’ Mountains). The total production of uranium in Poland amounted to 650 Mg. During the research done in the late 50’s of 20th century, a concentration of uranium was discovered in layers of sandstone in the area of the Vistula Spit (Middle Triassic sediments in the Peribaltic Syneclise) and in bituminous shales in Rajsk in the Podlasie re - gion (the Ordovician Dictyonema Shales in the Podlasie Depression). Concentrations of uranium were also detected in bituminous shales in the Carpathians (Oligocene Menillite shales), coals of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Carboniferous) and as admixture in copper-bearing shales. The article analyzes locations of uranium deposits in Poland’s territory, the history of search and prospects for uranium mining.