For mining engineers it is an absurdly trivial problem: dig a deep hole into the ground and bring out the valuable ore.  I know that the reverse is also a trivial challenge to mining engineers, namely dig a deep hole and put something valuable into the hole.  Underground miners place backfill into mines every day with great success. 

Now maybe is the time for underground mining engineers to stand up and tell the public the obvious, trival truth:  they can dig a deep hole in the ground as a storage place for high level radioactive waste from the nations nuclear power plants. 

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It would seem a simple debate with clear answers: to dump tailings into lakes or to build above-grade impoundments.  Canadian politicians are offering clear and opposing opinions.  Maybe it is time for the industry and experts to weigh in?

In a new report from CBC, we read these opposing positions and opinions:

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Just a short note to those who have recently posted insightful comments on articles on this blog. 

I am “holidaying” with grandkids in California and can barely access the internet.  But the details of the blog, including vetting of the spam comments and posting of the valid ones, are managed by staff at InfoMine in Vancouver.  I owe them a big thanks for so ably keeping the site functional and neat. 

But more, I owe thanks to those who comment. 

I would like, in particular, to mention Rory McIlmoil who wrote a long and informative comment on a piece I posted on mountaintop mining and an alternative windfarm.  Rory, I would love to hear more from you and this situation.  Please keep us informed. 

To those who have fleshed out the issues on a piece on women in mining many thanks for the perspectives, opinions, and stories.  I have just seen my daughter, a civil engineer, off to work.  She was lugging along her two kids taking them to day-care.  Maybe i should have offered to look after them all day—but I really do not have the energy—it is enough to play with them at the pool and read books from five to nine.  How she keeps it all together, I know not.  But a tribute to all the women who have undertaken careers, motherhood, and/or both.  Somehow those earlier weekend spent putting in new stairs, painting ceilings, replacing rotting timbers, and paying university bills now seem worth it. 

Finally thanks to Fred Williams who brought our attention to a second proposed mine in Costa Rica.  Again another story to follow.