Rock laboratory
The Mont Terri rock laboratory is a research laboratory near St-Ursanne in the Canton of Jura. Investigations are being carried out into Opalinus clay, which is a suggested host rock for the future deep geological disposal of radioactive waste. The rock laboratory is solely for research. No deep geological disposal will be allowed at the site.
Location
The Mont Terri rock laboratory is situated to the north of St-Ursanne in the canton of Jura, around 300 m underground. It is accessed via the safety gallery of the Mont Terri motorway tunnel.
Interior view
The rock laboratory comprises 1200 m of galleries and niches. The horse-shoe shaped galleries are 4 to 5 m high and well-lit.
Operation
swisstopo (which includes Swiss Geological Survey) is responsible for the independent, smooth, and safe operation of the rock laboratory. The site belongs to the canton of Jura.