Radiological impact of thorium mining and milling

Journal Article · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Nucl. Saf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6308574

Meyer, H R; Till, J E; Bomar, E S; Bond, W D; Morse, L E; Tennery, V J; Yalcintas, M G

Implementation of an alternate fuel usage scheme involving /sup 233/U would require very large increases in /sup 232/Th production rates, probably necessitating the mining of thorite (ThSiO/sub 4/) from western U.S. deposits. This article reviews current estimates of the extent of that resource and estimates the radiological impact of operating a thorium mine and mill in the region. Radiological doses to a hypothetical maximally exposed individual located 1.6 km from the site are estimated to be 2.4 mrems ( to total body), 9.5 mrems (to bone), and 35.3 mrems (to lungs). These doses are due primarily to ingestion and inhalation of /sup 220/Rn daughters, /sup 228/Ra and /sup 232/Th. Doses to the general population in the area surrounding the site and postoperational doses due to tailings pile releases are also calculated.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
• OSTI ID: 6308574
• Journal Information: Nucl. Saf.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Saf.; (United States) Vol. 20:3; ISSN NUSAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ALKALINE EARTH ISOTOPES
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MINING
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NUCLEI
ORE PROCESSING
ORES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POPULATIONS
PROCESSING
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RADIATION HAZARDS
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RADIUM ISOTOPES
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YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES