Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Minerals Extraction, Processing and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The presence of naturally occurring radionuclides in mineral deposits is a phenomenon reported worldwide and stems from the geological dynamics of the earth crust. High concentrations of uranium, thorium, their radioactive progeny, and potassium -40 have been reported in rare-earth, uranium and heavy mineral sand deposits. Despite their natural origin, the occurrence of radionuclides in mineral deposits may generate areas with high background radiation, with the exposure of human and non-human biota enhanced and a potential for detrimental health effects to be caused. Several reports (e.g., UNSCEAR) have indicated that human populations inhabiting regions with high background radiation are significantly exposed to radiation [1,2].

The increasing demand for metals that can be employed in the electronics, aero spatial, automotive, and nuclear industries has expanded mining and milling operations across all continents.  The exploitation of mineral deposits, including radioactive ores, and the processing of these ores via their mining, transport, storage and industrial transformation often create a large volume of waste and have a significant environmental impact. These include occupational radiation exposures above the radiation safety levels [3].

In particular, the processing of radioactive ores, such as uranium, thorium, “coltan”, tantalite, and rare-earth ores, creates waste that may contain enhanced concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides. This may occur also in the exploitation of non-radioactive resources such as the scales from pipes used in the oil and gas industry, which require safe storage conditions; otherwise, these may become dispersed in the environment, with hazardous radiological and chemical impacts [3,4,5].

The variety of mineral ores and industries that lead to the occurrence of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) and ecotoxicological impacts is today relatively vast; it includes, among others, the oil and gas industry, the phosphate industry, and uranium, thorium, copper,  tantalite, ilmenite, and rare-earths mining and mineral processing.

This Special Issue of Minerals aims to collect enlightening reports that address the radioactivity and radiation exposure present in regions and industries that deal with NORMs, as well as the ecotoxicological impact of mining and the cycling and fate of radionuclides and toxic metals in the environment.  Furthermore, it aims to enhance our knowledge of radiation exposure scenarios and mitigation measures, as well as the potential reuse of mining and milling wastes.

References

1. Sources, Effects and Risks of Ionizing Radiation: United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) 2017. Report to the General Assembly, with Scientific Annexes.
2. Zlobina, A.; Farkhutdinov, I.; Carvalho, F.P.; Wang, N.; Korotchenko, T.; Baranovskaya, N.; Farkhutdinov, A. Impact of Environmental Radiation on the Incidence of Cancer and Birth Defects in Regions with High Natural Radioactivity. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 8643.
3. Carvalho, F.P. Mining industry and sustainable development: Time for change. Food Energy Secur. 2017, 6, 61–77.
4. Atibu, E.K.; Oliveira, J.; Malta, M.; Santos, M.; Mulaji, C.; Mpiana, P.T.; Carvalho, F. Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Rivers Sediment and Soil from the Copper Belt Artisanal Mining Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo. J. Geosci. Environ. Prot. 2021, 9, 1–20.
5. Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards; IAEA Safety Standards Series, no. GSR Part 3; International Atomic Energy Agency: Vienna, Austria, 2014.

Dr. Fernando P. Carvalho
Dr. Emmanuel K. Atibu
Guest Editors

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• radionuclides in ores
• radiation exposure
• radiation monitoring at mine sites
• radioactive mining waste management
• mitigation measures

• Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Mine Sites in Minerals (13 articles)