Uranium Mining Waste, Risk Perception by Populations and Environmental Remediation in Portugal

Mining of radioactive ores for radium and uranium production took place in Portugal from 1908 up to 2001. Over the years, several companies produced salts of radioactive elements according to mining laws in force at the time. Following closure of the last uranium mine and milling facilities at Urgeiriça, local populations and municipalities claimed for surveillance and responsibility on the legacy of uranium waste. An environmental radioactivity assessment and a public health assessment were carried out in the years 2003-2005 and on the basis of these results and recommendations, the Government approved an environmental remediation plan. Local communities have been listened to and they have intervened constructively in the process and contributed to solving radiation protection and environmental contamination issues. Up to the present day, more than half of the former uranium sites have been remediated, milling waste confined and mine water treatment stations either installed or upgraded. At the same time, a radiation monitoring programme of uranium areas is being carried out by the LPSR/IST and the results are delivered on an annual basis to the Government and also rendered public. The results have demonstrated an effective reduction in ambient radiation dose, treatment of acid and radioactive mine drainage before discharge, and abatement of radiation exposure in several areas. (author)