L7 - Nuclear Reaction

Question 1

Where does Niger rank in the UN HDI (in terms of development)?

Answer 1

187th out of 193 - one of the least developed countries in the world.

Question 2

What are the physical geographical conditions like in Niger?

Answer 2

Landlocked, arid, and dependent on seasonal summer rainfall?

Question 3

What is special about Niger?

Answer 3

Large deposits of uranium which has become an important export.

Question 4

Who is the major consumer of nuclear fuels to produce electricity?

Answer 4

France - the French state-owned company Areva has been active in Niger for decades.

Question 5

Describe the 6 main environmental issues with uranium mining in Niger.

Answer 5

1. High concentrations of radon in the air. Waste rock affects nearby villages.
2. The mining, processing, transport, reprocessing and storing of nuclear fuels does involve the use of electricity from fossil fuels and the use of fossil fuels in transport.
3. The open-cast mines leave an eyesore on the landscape.
4. Ground water sources have been contaminated with radon. This has affected water supplies for people. World Health Organisation safe limits have been exceeded.
5. Over extraction of water for mining operations has led to the death of trees and other vegetation in this semi-desert region due to a fall in the water table.
6. Once the uranium ore has been exhausted, it will no longer provide a source of income and the waste material. will present issues to the local population for decades to come.

Question 6

Name the 3 classifications of energy resources.

Answer 6

Non-renewable
Renewable
Recyclable

Question 7

Describe and explain the 3 different classifications of energy resources. Give examples of each in your answer.

Answer 7

Non-renewable: Cannot be ‘remade’ because it would take millions of years. So imagine a finite stock or fixed amount that is being used up. Examples include coal, oil, gas, peat, nuclear.

Renewable: They renew themselves on a daily basis, without human intervention and will never run out. Examples include wave, tidal, solar, geothermal, HEP.

Recyclable: Energy sources that can be reused once consumed or will those that will naturally replenish themselves over the medium term (with a year to decades) with careful management. Examples include biogas, ethanol, and nuclear fuels (as these can be reprocessed and used again).

Question 8

Where are the uranium mines located in relation to the rest of the country?

Answer 8

The mines are concentrated in the north of the country near Akokan and Arlit.

Question 9

Why is nuclear energy a much more effective/viable option than oil and coal?

Answer 9

It is a recyclable energy resource, and it is 8000x more efficient than oil or coal.

Question 10

What percentage of the yellow cake is made up of the most efficient isotope (uranium 235)?

Answer 10

0.7%