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The interface between geoscience and industry: A case study of the interaction between research and the discovery and mining of ores for nuclear fuels

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Abstract

The nuclear industry was used as a case history to examine the influences between science and industry. The nuclear resources aspect of the industry was chosen for study. A correlation is found among indicators of geoscience research, exploration for uranium ores, production of uranium, and the general state of the industry. Some of the science-industry interfaces were identified as fruitful areas for further study, and a historical analysis of exploration technology shows that a scientific development engendered by the requirements of an early phase of the industry was key to later expansion in exploration and resources discovery.

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Notes and references

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Hall, D.H. The interface between geoscience and industry: A case study of the interaction between research and the discovery and mining of ores for nuclear fuels. Scientometrics 11, 199–216 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02016592

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