Uranium mining is the process of extracting uranium ore from the ground. It involves the removal of soil and rock that contains the radioactive element, which can then be used as fuel for nuclear power plants or in the production of atomic bombs. The extraction process typically uses open-pit or underground methods to access the ore deposits, followed by chemical processing to extract the uranium compounds. While it provides a source of energy, there are concerns about the environmental impact and safety risks associated with mining and handling radioactive materials.