Predicted Radiation Exposure from Mining at Kvanefjeld:Introduction to Radiation, Review of Baseline Information, and Predicted Radiation Exposures from Kvanefjeld Mining, Mineral Processing and Refining

• Main Authors: Nielsen, Sven Poul, Roos, Per, Andersson, Kasper Grann
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: DTU Nutech 2015
• Subjects: DTU-Nutech-11(EN); DTU-Nutech-11; Canada; Greenland; Narsaq
• Online Access: https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/publications/7ef196a4-581c-484c-98ac-33a5caf48489; https://backend.orbit.dtu.dk/ws/files/125836613/Radiation_report_20151106_2_.pdf

Baseline surveys of gamma radiation and environmental radioactivity have been carried out by Greenland Minerals and Energy Ltd (GMEL) to show existing levels in the town of Narsaq and in the Kvanefjeld project area. Radiation levels in Narsaq are low but elevated in the project area due the presence of large uranium and thorium deposits in Kvanefjeld. These deposits are also the reason that radon in outdoor air show elevated concentrations in Narsaq and in the project area. It is recommended that future monitoring of external exposure and radon should be based on measurement techniques using integrating dosimeters. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has reviewed the impact of Kvanefjeld operations on the future workforce to estimate radiation doses to individuals. Calculations were performed with conservative assumptions that reveal the annual radiation dose to workers to be between 1 and 5 millisieverts (mSv). This range of annual doses is below the internationally accepted limits for occupational exposure of 20 mSv averaged over five consecutive years and 50 mSv in any single year. The radiation dose estimates calculated by DTU are consistent with actual measured radiation doses from uranium mines in other developed countries such as Australia and Canada. From a radiation dose perspective Kvanefjeld operations are not expected to be any worse than current uranium mining operations elsewhere as the uranium content is significantly lower. DTU was engaged by GMEL as an independent reviewer of baseline surveys carried out and data obtained. DTU (former Risø National Laboratory) has five-decades of experience in dealing with naturally-occurring and man-made radioactivity and radiation in the environment covering research and development as well as consultancy.