National Radioactive Waste Management Infrastructure in Myanmar

Myanmar has used radioactive sources for peaceful purposes in medical, industrial, research and education. These sources are imported and are safely and securely controlled under the IAEA issued International BSS and Security Guidance. The volume of radioactive waste produced is small and only low-level radioactive waste arising from medical and industrial applications exists in Myanmar. Relatively low activity and small quantity of disused sealed radioactive sources (DSRS) that cannot be returned to their suppliers, are managed locally to safely and securely for long term storage in central radioactive waste storage facility. Codes of Practice on occupational protection, public protection, medical exposure, radioactive waste, and transport of radioactive materials are being prepared and controlled by the Division of Atomic Energy (DAE) in Myanmar. The policy and strategy for radioactive waste management in Myanmar has yet to be established. To achieve the set objectives for effective waste management regime, the regulations on radiation and waste safety have been drafted, revised internally, reviewed by the Agency and approved by the Myanmar Attorney General's office but in under processing, that ensure to develop relevant codes of practice to guide operating in waste management facilities and the regulatory authority. Myanmar has made political commitment for code of conduct on safety and security of radioactive sources in 2017 and for enhancing capacity building on strengthening legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear and other radioactive materials safety, security and safeguards, the new nuclear law is in the progress of drafting that coverage of atomic energy law, placed in 1998. Myanmar has made continual efforts on radioactive waste management activities with regional, international Training, Workshop and has participated in IAEA TC regional projects including: RAS/9/071 and RAS/9/085. To develop national radioactive waste management infrastructure and to increase national operational capabilities and capacities, Myanmar initiated the IAEA TC project MYA 2020010 in 2022-2023; safety and security management of DSRS, through Agency's support, funding availability, mitigation measures on DAE as main driving force of inclusive and sustainable development for relevant technologies including appropriate equipment, effective operational procedures leading to identification of potential pre-disposal options for DSRS and human resources to operators of waste management facilities. Myanmar is currently being developed through internationally harmonizing with the improvement, fulfilled international and regional commitments and activities in the areas of radioactive waste management that ensure to be effective and address to strengthening regulatory infrastructure and sustainable development for radiation and waste safety management. (author)