Proteção radiológica em mineradoras NORM

Abstract

Some minerals of interest such as niobium, phosphate, copper, gold and tin are associated with radionuclides of natural origin such as those of the uranium and thorium series. So they are considered radioactive materials of natural origin or NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material). This type of mineral exposes humans and the environment to ionizing radiation. The responsibility for inspecting and licensing NORM material is the National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), which initially classifies mining companies into 3 groups based on the specific activity and natural or concentrated solid substances. From then on, it requires compliance with a series of requirements with the aim of protecting human beings and the environment. Thus, mining companies must scale radiological protection programs in accordance with CNEN standards, promoting control of workers, areas, sources, tailings, waste, equipment and the environment. In this work, the norms associated with NORM mining companies were presented and a radiological protection program for a hypothetical mine was proposed.