Final answer:
Active underground uranium mines in Saskatchewan are located in unconformity-associated ore bodies, requiring advanced geology and chemistry techniques for discovery. The extraction of uranium has significant social and environmental impacts, particularly on indigenous communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
All of the active underground uranium mines in Saskatchewan are based in unconformity-associated ore bodies. This geologically unique type of deposit occurs where large discrepancies in the age of adjoining rocks create pockets where minerals, including uranium, can accumulate. Since surface uranium has already been discovered, modern methods like deep drilling for geological exploration and chemical analysis of rocks are employed to locate new deposits of uranium. Contrary to old practices that involved using Geiger counters for direct radiation detection, the current process relies heavily on advanced geology and chemistry techniques.
The search and extraction of uranium can have significant social and environmental repercussions, as seen in various indigenous communities across North America. Past uranium mining activities have left a legacy of contamination and health issues, making it a contentious issue among affected populations. Therefore, while uranium continues to be a valuable resource on the open market, finding and mining it involves much more than just the technical aspects of geology and chemistry; it also brings into focus questions of environmental justice and ethical considerations.