Some may find this useful....very informative from the...

Some may find this useful....very informative from the NRC.

Comparison of Conventional Mill, Heap Leach, and In Situ Recovery Facilities

Tailings dams are the environmental concerns with conventional mines as well.

Notice that ISR is the only process that allows for total rehab and release for unrestricted use.

Although not specifically mentioned here, the low Capex and Opex benefits of ISR has been well posted on here and is cited on many websites.

ISR =
Clean + Low Capex + Low Opex = High nett returns

Heap Leach =
Dirty + High Capex + Higher Opex than ISR = Lower nett returns

Conventional mining =
Dirty + V/High Capex + V/High Opex = Lower again nett returns (requiring large resources/high grades and high end product price to be viable).



You be the judge!