Establishment of a radiation protection program: protection of environment and public from radiation emanating from uranium mining and milling waste

The thesis has examined the uranium mining processes; the waste generated; intake pathways; estimated doses incurred and possible remediation practices. A Radiation Protection Programme is required for protecting the public and environment from possible consequences of radiation from the waste. Radioactive waste from uranium mining and milling has been identified as one of the major sources of radiation exposure to members of the public and the environment. Uranium mill tailings, waste rock and dusts are the types of which release most of the ionizing radiation. The sources of radiation exposure form of Radon-222 gas, gamma radiation as well as alpha particles in dusts. The doses from radioactive waste can be significant requiring attention from regulatory bodies as well as licensees. Radiation from the waste can be directly ingested and inhaled by members of the public. Consumption of contaminated water and food stuffs can also lead to ingestion of radionuclides from the waste. A uranium mine of 0.1% grade ore and residual uranium concentration of up to 10% in the waste rock can generate an annual dose of 2.45 mSv to a member of the public residing within a distance of up to 2km from the mine or tailings site. The annual dose rate decreases when the mine is shut down and when the tailings are covered to limit radon gas emission rate. (au)