Title:

Radiological Impact of Rössing Rio Tinto Uranium Mine

Author(s):
Publication Year:
2014
Abstract:

This report is based on on site radioactivity measurements and laboratory analysis of soil, sediments and water samples taken in the vicinity of the Rössing Rio Tinto mine. It raises concerns regarding the management and contamination caused by the radioactive waste rock dumps and the tailings dam, where almost all the waste from mining the uranium is deposited. The waste rock dump is creating external irradiation and radon exhalation that is a risk to workers as well as tourists. Regarding water contamination, the team detected a significant increase of fluoride, nitrates and sulphates downstream of the mine. Sulphates and nitrates are an indicator of the leaching of waste rocks. The data also show an increase for arsenic, zinc, boron, radon 222, vanadium and zinc (factor of 9 to 35), Molybdenum (factor 85) and selenium (factor 131).

Publisher:
EJOLT and CRIIRAD Report
Item Type:
Report
Language:
en