Uranium mining operations commenced at Ranger mine site, Jabiru NT Australia in May 1980. The Ranger orebodies, totalling approximately 110 000 tonnes contained U305 had been indicated by airborne radiometric survey in 1969 and confirmed by drilling the following year. Both diamond and percussion drilling methods were used to define the mineralisation and samples were analysed using a combination of radiometric and neutron activation techniques. Ore reserve estimates were calculated from conventional and geostatistical methods and following the mining of 15 million tonnes of ore, reconciliations with before mining estimates are well within acceptable industry standards.
In-pit grade control employs radiometric techniques including a radiometric truck discriminator built in Australia to mine specification to meet production requirements and improve productivity. Environmental requirements associated with uranium mining are a daily consideration.