Final Disposal Mining
Planning and implementing underground facilities for final disposal safely.
Request advice on final repository mining now
Planning and implementing underground facilities for final disposal safely.
Request advice on final repository mining nowThe construction of final repositories encompasses the planning, construction, securing, operation and subsequent sealing of underground facilities for the final disposal of radioactive waste. Shafts, tunnels, disposal chambers and technical infrastructure must be designed to be safe, cost-effective and capable of long-term operation under demanding geological conditions.
DMT supports clients in the technical implementation of final disposal projects. Our services combine mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, shaft engineering, rock control, ventilation, technical infrastructure planning, as well as construction supervision and quality assurance.
In doing so, we view the mine workings, rock mass and operational processes as an integrated whole. In this way, we develop solutions for new construction projects, extensions, conversions and existing underground facilities.
Final disposal mining is closely interlinked with services relating to site selection, the disposal of radioactive waste, radiation protection, long-term safety and licensing procedures. Please also visit our pages on nuclear technology and radiation protection.
Dr Marie-Charlotte Bornhöft
Nuclear Engineering and Final Repository Construction
+49 40 8557 1403
Do you need support with the technical implementation of a final repository project, or would you like to discuss shaft planning, rock control, ventilation, infrastructure or quality assurance? I look forward to hearing from you.
A successful final repository infrastructure begins with the planning stage. Geological conditions, construction methods, logistics, technical infrastructure and future operational and safety requirements must be taken into account right from the early stages of the project.
DMT supports projects from feasibility studies and variant analyses, through authorisation and detailed design, right through to commissioning and closure.
In 2026, DMT hosted experts for the 13th time at a half-day event focusing on current projects and developments in final repository mining. The Essen Technical Seminar on Final Repository Mining took place on Thursday, 12 March 2026, and focused primarily on nuclear waste disposal at the Konrad final repository.
Further information on the series of events, upcoming dates and the organisers can be found on our information page.
Shafts and underground workings form the basis of every final repository mine. Their design influences safety, construction progress, logistics, ventilation and subsequent operational procedures.
DMT develops technical concepts for the development and design of underground facilities, as well as for the adaptation and extension of existing ones.
The technical design takes into account both the requirements of the construction phase and the long-term requirements for operation, storage and closure.
Geotechnical and rock mechanics assessments form the basis for the safe construction and operation of underground structures.
DMT analyses the interactions between the rock mass, construction methods and support systems, and develops site-specific solutions for both the construction and operational phases.
A reliable technical infrastructure is essential for safe and efficient underground operations. Ventilation, power supply, communications, logistics and safety systems must be planned at an early stage and co-ordinated with one another.
DMT has many years’ experience in the planning and simulation of complex ventilation systems for large-scale underground infrastructure.
The quality of the construction work determines the safety, functionality and long-term usability of underground facilities.
DMT’s Project Management Office supports clients by providing technical expertise, inspection services and quality assurance measures throughout the construction phase.
The secure sealing of a final repository must be taken into account from the early planning stages. The geometry of the structure, rock properties and operational requirements all influence the long-term safety of the entire system.
DMT develops technical concepts for backfilling, sealing, closure structures, as well as decommissioning and stabilisation measures.
As part of the construction of the Konrad final repository, DMT is providing technical testing and expert services. These include the testing of excavation and support systems, anchor tests, corrosion assessments and the analysis of technical incidents, taking into account the underground conditions.
DMT is carrying out extensive weather network calculations and developing simulation models for the construction of the Konrad final repository. In addition to the design of weather-resistant structures, various operational phases and potential fire scenarios are being investigated in order to develop safe operational and emergency response plans.
As part of a consortium, DMT is drawing up the conceptual design for the future Asse 5 reclamation mine. The services include geotechnical and mining design, the analysis of exploration data, and the development of technical concepts for the future shaft complex.
Final disposal mining encompasses the technical planning, construction, stabilisation and structural sealing of underground facilities for final disposal projects. This includes shafts, tunnels, storage areas, operational rooms, ventilation, energy supply, haulage and logistics infrastructure, as well as support and stabilisation systems.
DMT provides support from the early stages of feasibility and concept studies, through variant analyses and detailed design, right through to construction supervision, technical inspection, commissioning and decommissioning.
Geotechnical and rock mechanics assessments form the basis for the design of shafts, tunnels and other underground structures. They help to determine suitable construction methods as well as support and stabilisation systems.
Yes. DMT plans mine shafts, loading points, adits, cross-cuts, plant rooms and storage areas, and develops concepts for excavation, support, safety and logistics.
Ventilation ensures that underground work areas are supplied with fresh air and is a key component of any final repository mine. DMT carries out ventilation network calculations, develops simulation models and designs ventilation structures.
Yes. DMT supports the expansion, adaptation, refurbishment and conversion of existing mines and underground facilities for future final disposal purposes.
DMT carries out technical inspections, material tests, anchor tests, corrosion assessments and analyses of damage cases relating to geotechnical and mining engineering.
The sealing of shafts, tunnels and storage areas is an essential component of long-term safety. Suitable backfilling and sealing concepts must be taken into account as early as the planning stage.
DMT has experience with the host rocks relevant to final disposal projects – salt, clay and crystalline rock – and develops site-specific solutions for a range of geological requirements.
The construction of a final repository focuses on the technical planning and implementation of the underground infrastructure. The final disposal of radioactive waste also involves site selection, safety assessments, radiation protection, licensing procedures and long-term safety.