Which of the following is a common use for depleted uranium?

Depleted uranium is commonly used for industrial shielding due to its high density and atomic weight, which make it an effective barrier against radiation. In various applications, particularly in the nuclear and medical fields, materials that can attenuate radiation are crucial for protecting workers and the environment. Depleted uranium's unique properties allow it to effectively shield against gamma radiation and other types of radiation, minimizing exposure risks.

The other options do not align with typical uses of depleted uranium. While laser cutting technology, transportation of hazardous waste, and thermal insulation materials are important industrial applications, they do not employ depleted uranium due to various factors such as cost, availability of more suitable materials, or specific regulatory considerations regarding radioactive materials. Hence, the correct answer reflects the primary context in which depleted uranium is leveraged for safety and protection from radiation hazards.