Radiation Exposures Associated With Surface Mining for Uranium

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Abstract
Measurements of external gamma radiation, radon and radon progeny, and airborne uranium aerosols were made at an operating open-pit mining operation using readily available field survey techniques and instruments. Measurement techniques are discussed. Radiation exposure to various occupational categories, such as excavation equipment operators, truck drivers, equipment maintenance personnel, ore control personnel, and to the engineering staff, is estimated. These estimates are compared to the results of film badge dosimetry. While the average exposure rate was found to be in the order of 0.5 mR/hr ± 0.5 mR/hr, it was noted that higher exposures (up to 10 mR/hr) were measured in the vicinity of ore bodies containing uranium in the per cent range. Some contamination of earth-moving equipment by uranium-bearing dusts was also noted.

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