Assessing the need for radiation protection measures in artisanal and small scale mining of tantalite in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria

Authors

  • A. E. Ajetunmobi Department of Physics, Olabisi Onabanjo, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, P M B 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
  • A. O. Musthapha Department of Physics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P M B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria
  • I. C. Okeyode Department of Physics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P M B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria
  • A. M. Gbadebo Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P M B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria
  • D. Al-Azmi Department of Applied Sciences, College of Technological Studies, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Shuwaikh, P O Box 42325, Code 70654, Kuwait
  • T. W. David Department of Physics, Olabisi Onabanjo, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, P M B 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

Keywords:

Assessing, radiation protection, artisanal and small scale mining, Tantalite

Abstract

There is concern that work scenarios on the tantalite mining sites in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria may cause occupational radiation exposure of workers due to enhanced concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in some process materials. A prior radiological assessment of the mining activities was carried out to determine if and which exposure scenarios may require radiation protection measures. Samples of the materials involved, comprising tantalite (tantalum ores), soil and waste rock were collected and analyzed for activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, 238U and 232Th using a hyper pure germanium detector gamma-ray spectrometer. Radon concentrations in the mines were also measured using a continuous radon monitor - Radon-Scout Plus (Sarad, GmbH). Activity concentrations of 40K are below 10 Bqg-1 in all the samples but all the tantalite samples contain more than 1 Bqg-1 of 226Ra and 238U. Hence tantalite is regarded as naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and the mining activity as a practice. The requirements for planned exposure situations apply to all the mining sites but, on the basis of graded approach, the optimum radiation protection measures vary from one mine to another, ranging from exemption to authorization. Exposures to radon in the underground mines pose the greatest radiological risks and portend the greatest need for regulatory control in the mining operations. The results further underscore the need to integrate radiation protection with the other health and safety measures in the mining sector.

Dimensions

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Published

2022-08-16

How to Cite

Assessing the need for radiation protection measures in artisanal and small scale mining of tantalite in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria. (2022). Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, 4(3), 699. https://doi.org/10.46481/jnsps.2022.699

Issue

Section

Original Research

How to Cite

Assessing the need for radiation protection measures in artisanal and small scale mining of tantalite in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria. (2022). Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, 4(3), 699. https://doi.org/10.46481/jnsps.2022.699