Backfilling of roof clefts ceases due to supplier problems
Salt producer does not meet contractual obligation to supply
The backfilling of roof clefts to stabilise the Asse II mine has been interrupted because the company supplying the salt for the production of the special type of concrete does currently not meet its obligation to supply which has been ensured by contract. The company has agreed as to its next transport taking place on 27 July 2010.
The time until the salt supply will be resumed is being used for preparations in order to be able to immediately carry on with the backfilling of roof clefts. For example, drillings are carried out through which the special concrete is pumped into the roof cleft. Also the construction of sheeting walls continues which prevent the special concrete from escaping the areas to be backfilled.
The backfilling of roof clefts consists of filling up residual cavities between the roofs of the mining districts (cavity where no radioactive waste has been emplaced) and the salt backfill with a special type of concrete. This serves to stabilise the mine and is to reduce the risk of an increase in saline solution flowing into the mine.