Mining is very vital to the production of goods, services and infrastructure; it advances the quality of lives in the society. However, the possible hazard of waste and radioactivity generated by mining, dumping and tailing, has called on the society to find ways of seeking remedy that will adequately treat mining waste from mine dump, tailing and abandoned mine. Mine waste reuse and recycling in mining industries could offer cost-effective benefits through offsetting raw material requirements and decreasing the volumes of waste to be managed. This review discussed mine dump pollution monitoring and mine dump management strategies for some selected countries. Impact and mechanism of mine damage to the environment was discussed together with the remediation principles. It further examines the mining Act and regulations of the same selected countries. Emphasised was placed on the enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and standards. Practical ways in which country’s state authority and civil society can keep a close watch and enhance the enforcement of laws and regulations were highlighted. The prediction for the control of mineral exploration and environmental assessment was also discussed for executing a specific control to take preventive measures. Management techniques used in combating the impact of mine dump, stockpiles and tailing on the environment were discussed. In addition, radioactivity in mine and its monitoring and control was discussed.

A review on the impact of mining operation: Monitoring, assessment and management

Keeping in view the toxicity of uranium and to reduce exposure to uranium and avoid high doses, it is essential to examine on routine bases the concentration of natural radionuclide uranium (U) in surface and groundwater resources. In this approach, the concentrations of U (total U) were summarized in worldwide surface and groundwater resources. U(+6) is the major form of U in oxic surface waters, while U(+4) is the major form in anoxic waters. An efficient way of uranium measurement in all water sources must be utilized to obtain reliable results. For this purpose a summary of available analytical techniques for U determination has also been presented. On the basis of the available data, the chemical exposures from these contaminated water sources were specified and some important epidemiological cross-sectional, ecological, and case-control studies and influence of heavy metal mining on water quality were also included. The literature review results revealed that the concentrations of natural U are high...

Distribution of Natural Uranium in Surface and Groundwater Resources: A Review

Introduction. Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) are ubiquitous throughout the earth's crust. Human manipulation of NORM for economic ends, such as mining, ore processing, fossil fuel extraction, and commercial aviation, may lead to what is known as “technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials,” often called TENORM. The existence of TENORM results in an increased risk for human exposure to radioactivity. Workers in TENORM-producing industries may be occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. TENORM industries may release significant amounts of radioactive material into the environment resulting in the potential for widespread exposure to ionizing radiation. These industries include mining, phosphate processing, metal ore processing, heavy mineral sand processing, titanium pigment production, fossil fuel extraction and combustion, manufacture of building materials, thorium compounds, aviation, and scrap metal processing. Methods. A search of the PubMed database (www....

Technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials

Environmental impact assessment of radionuclides and trace elements at the Kurday U mining site, Kazakhstan.

The Fen Central Complex in southern Norway, a geologically well investigated area of magmatic carbonatite rocks, is assumed to be among the world largest natural reservoirs of thorium (232Th). These rocks, also rich in iron (Fe), niobium (Nb), uranium (238U) and rare earth elements (REE), were mined in several past centuries. Waste locations, giving rise to enhanced levels of both radionuclides and metals, are now situated in the area. Estimation of radionuclide and metal contamination of the environment and radiological risk assessment were done in this study. The average outdoor gamma dose rate measured in Fen, 2.71 μGy h−1, was significantly higher than the world average dose rate of 0.059 μGy h−1. The annual exposure dose from terrestrial gamma radiation, related to outdoor occupancy, was in the range 0.18–9.82 mSv. The total activity concentrations of 232Th and 238U in soil ranged from 69 to 6581 and from 49 to 130 Bq kg−1, respectively. Enhanced concentrations were also identified for metals, arsenic (As), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn), in the vicinity of former mining sites. Both radionuclide and heavy metal concentrations suggested leaching, mobilization and distribution from rocks into the soil. Correlation analysis indicated different origins for 232Th and 238U, but same or similar for 232Th and metals As, Cr, Zn, nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd). The results from in situ size fractionation of water demonstrated radionuclides predominately present as colloids and low molecular mass (LMM) species, being potentially mobile and available for uptake in aquatic organisms of Norsjo Lake. Transfer factors, calculated for different plant species, showed the highest radionuclide accumulation in mosses and lichens. Uptake in trees was, as expected, lower. Relationship analysis of 232Th and 238U concentrations in moss and soil samples showed a significant positive linear correlation.

J.J. Clerc

Papers

Assessment of radiation exposure in the uranium mining and milling area of Mailuu Suu, Kyrgyzstan