Current Status of the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) Wastes and Residues in the United Republic of Tanzania

Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) wastes often contain high level of radioactivity caused by radionuclides of uranium and thorium series. NORM wastes in the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) are found in the tailings from gold mines, production of natural gas, crushing and processing of coal and phosphate rock, and soon from uranium mining which is in the commissioning stage. Generally, mining operations are usually accompanied by dumping of large quantities of tailings in the environment which may be rich in radioactive minerals. If the tailings from these activities are not managed properly might cause the radiological exposure to human, contaminate surface water, ground water, soil and the surrounding environment. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current national status for the management of NORM wastes and residues in the URT. The evaluation covers the inventory of NORM - related industries in the country; regulatory framework; education and training in NORM industries staff, national policy and strategies for the management of NORM wastes and residues; assessment of external radiation exposure from NORM wastes and residues disposals; international cooperation on the management of NORM wastes and residues; and implementation of activities under NORM-related IAEA's projects which Tanzania is participating or has participated. (author)