Abstract
Tantalite and columbite ores have been reported as containing associated primordial radionuclides, such as uranium and thorium. Ethiopia is one of the world suppliers of tantalite ore through exploitation of Kenticha mine and tantalite production by a large number of artisanal miners. For the purpose of implementing the international standards for radiation protection of workers and members of the public, a preliminary assessment of radionuclides and radiation doses associated to tantalite mining was performed. Results confirmed and quantified the co-occurrence of uranium and thorium and their progeny in tantalite ore. Radiation doses at some workplaces may exceed the effective dose limit recommended by the international radiation safety standards for nonradiation workers and members of the public. Investments to be made in order to expand and modernize tantalite production in Ethiopia shall take into account the radiation hazards and implement a radiation protection program to prevent enhanced occupational radiation exposures and protect the public and the environment.
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Acknowledgements
The authors thank the Ethiopian Radiation Authority for facilitating the field work, the Ministry of Mining of Ethiopia for permission, and the mining company for the hospitality and permission to visiting their facility and to take measurements, samples for analysis, and pictures. Acknowledgements are due to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for support and coordination of an expert mission carried out by F.P. Carvalho in Ethiopia under the IAEA RAF project. The authors also are thankful to two anonymous reviewers whose comments helped to improve the manuscript.
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Carvalho, F.P., Tufa, M.B., Oliveira, J.M. et al. Radionuclides and Radiation Exposure in Tantalite Mining, Ethiopia. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 81, 648–659 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-021-00858-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-021-00858-8