Horní Slavkov

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Horní Slavkov Area on the Map

Location: The Karlovy Vary Region, Sokolov area

Brief history

Mining took place from 1948 until 1962. There were 26 shafts, 33 adits and two tailings impoundments. The total area of the mine was 21.7 km2. 2,668.3 metric tons of uranium were extracted. The ore was processed at the gravitational mill at Eliáš, Bratrství and at the chemical processing plant in Nejdek.

Type of activity

Underground uranium mining – cut and fill stopping.

Present-day conditions

The mine was dismantled in the past, the underground filled with water, the surface partly reclaimed (old damage). A new mine water treatment plant is in operation and the sludge is being used for remediation of cave-in at the Schnöd’s stock.

The Environmental Problem and its Solution

Effects on the Landscape

Harmful effects to the surface (depressions, cave-ins) due to mining directly beneath the surface including the sites of historic mine tunnels. On-going remediation of cave-ins is underway.

Mine water

On-going outflow of contaminated mine water from the water filled uranium mines at the site. A newly developed drainage and mine water treatment plant releases treated water into the Stoka stream.

Tailings Impoundments

Seepage water from the tailings impoundments have a higher concentration of radionuclides and iron oxide.