Feasibility of retrieval of radioactive waste from a salt-mine repository: an overview

Abstract

Two options for permanent disposal of radioactive waste in rock salt are distinguished: the salt-mine repository and the deep boreholes and cavity combination. Of these, the salt-mine repository is treated in some detail. The results of a feasibility study of waste retrieval from a salt-mine repository are reviewed. This study was carried out in the framework of the 'OPLA’ research programme of the Netherlands. Three disposal concepts have been considered: a modification of a concept for permanent disposal, a concept incorporating thick-walled overpacks and a concept which involves cased boreholes. Circumstances that may influence the retrieval operation (e.g. salt temperature, and volume and weight of overpacks) are taken into account. As a conclusion, it appears technically feasible to retrieve radioactive waste from a salt-mine repository, provided that the period between disposal and retrieval is not longer than a few hundred years.