Assessment of gamma radiation exposure to drivers (contractual) engaged with transporting of uranium ore in uranium mines at Narwapahar Mines, India

Due to radioactive nature of uranium ore and tailings sand, it is essential to assess the exposure of drivers and helpers, those are continuously engaged with transporting of it. The external exposure is due to gamma radiation, emitted by uranium progeny and its magnitude is therefore directly related to the ore grade. The major gamma emitters in the series are 214Pb and 214Bi. After uranium recovery in ore processing areas the waste generated in mill contains same magnitude of gamma emitters. Tailings sand is the waste generated from mill area, which is used for back filling in underground mine. This paper presents the results of estimation of external gamma radiation levels during transport and assesses the radiation dose to drivers and helpers