Radionuclides in mineral processing (NORM)
ANSTO Minerals offers advice to industry and government on how to overcome problems arising from the presence of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in all minerals.
Apart from the uranium industry, many ores processed for the extraction of other metals contain NORM. There is a growing awareness of the implications presented by the contained radioactivity through exposure of the workforce and public to process streams and wastes, and to the quality of products. Compared to uranium, these industries are not familiar, or equipped to cope with radionuclides. In addition, there is a growing interest in the issue of radioactivity in mineral products, driven by stricter regulations and the threat of legal liability concerning exposure to NORM and environmental impacts and the commercial acceptability of products.
ANSTO Minerals provides commercial services and consulting advice to industry on issues such as analysis, site surveys of the deportment of radioactivity, the behaviour of radionuclides in processes, control and removal of radionuclides, risks associated with regulatory changes and process development for ores containing radioactivity.
Metallurgical processing circuits where the management of NORM may be required include copper, tin and tantalum smelting, phosphate fertislier production and the heavy minerals and rare earth industries.
ANSTO Minerals: NORM analysis capabilities
ANSTO Minerals offers the following services:
- Determination of the concentration of radioactivity
- Knowledge of legislation regarding the handling of mineral products containing radioactivity
- Physical and chemical treatment processes to remove radioactivity
- Treatment and management of radioactive wastes
- Laboratory, engineering and pilot plant studies