Uranium contents in rock samples from Allchar and Podares mines (Macedonia)

In the present study, trace uranium concentration in geological samples from the Alshar and Podaresh ore mine have been determined by using fission track registration technique. Alpha sensitive LR-115 type II plastic track detectors were used for the measurement. Uranium concentration varied from 4 to 70 ppm, whereas the radon exhalation rate varied from 3 to 21 Bq m-2h-1. Radon concentration in the mine was measured by diffusion chamber type radon dosimeter, utilizing CR-39 detector, and was found to be 1,6 104 Bq/m3 . The values of radon exhalation rate from crushed rock and soil samples to corresponded to the measured values of uranium in the corresponding samples. A positive correlation was found between radon exhalation rate and uranium concentration in the samples. [Original)