Radioactivity assessment of surface soil in the vicinity of a uranium mine in Malawi

The activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in the soil of areas surrounding the Kayelekera uranium mine were assessed. This study aims to provide a comprehensive profile of soil radioactivity distribution in the area surrounding the uranium mine to determine radiological hazards associated with mining and processing activities. Soil samples were analysed using gamma-ray spectrometry with a high-purity germanium detector. Mean specific activities of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K were 58.3 ± 3.7, 40.3 ± 0.3 and 590.9 ± 63.9 Bq kg^-1, respectively. Results from this study have indicated changes in radioactivity levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials in the area surrounding the understudied mine, with certain areas close to the mine site showing elevated levels of ²³⁸U, highlighting the need for systematic and periodic monitoring. (authors)