Mining Uranium ore is usually s located aerially core samples are then drilled and analyzed by geologists. The uranium ore s extracted by means of drilling and blasting. Mines can be in either open pits or underground. Uranium concentrations are a small percentage of the rock that s mined, so tons of tailings waste are generated by the mining processMining • Uranium ore is usually located aerially; core samples are then drilled and analyzed by geologists. The uranium ore is extracted by means of drilling and blasting. Mines can be in either open pits or underground. Uranium concentrations are a small percentage of the rock that is mined, so tons of tailings waste are generated by the mining process