ARPANSA - Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency

National Conference on Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing

The National Conference on Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing was held by ARPANSA in Melbourne in April 2005 in order that the industry, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders are aware of proposed changes, and have the opportunity to consider the effects of the changes.

Radiation protection and the management of radioactive wastes are important factors in many mining and mineral processing operations. These operations include mining and processing of uranium and mineral sands but also may include the oil and gas industry, fertiliser industry and some mining operations where radioactive minerals occur in trace quantities.

Recent international and national developments in radiation protection and radioactive waste management affect the mining and mineral processing industries in Australia.

• In July 2004, Australia's Health Ministers approved the first edition of the National Directory for Radiation Protection to set the framework for national uniformity in radiation protection. The Directory will apply to mining and mineral processing, particularly the application of the exclusion and exemption provisions of the Directory. A draft (PDF 39kb) Protocolfor Application of Exemption Provisions for Radioactive Material was released for comment and discussed at the Conference.
• A new Code of Practice for Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing has been under development for a number of years. This up-to-date code replaces the old codes originally developed under the Environment Protection (Nuclear Codes) Act. A draft of the new code was also released for public comment. A Draft Regulatory Impact Statement was also released for comment. The final Code of Practice for Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing was published in August 2005.
• The Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council prepared a discussion paper entitled Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) in Australia - issues for discussion. The paper asked whether there is a need to develop uniform national guidance for the handling of NORM issues in Australia.
• Internationally, the International Atomic Energy Agency has finalised its position on the levels of radioactivity in bulk materials and commodities in trade ('RS-G-1.7 Application of the Concepts of Exclusion, Exemption and Clearance') and there is activity in addressing issues that affect the international transport of radioactive material.

A summary of the proceedings of the conference is now available:

• National Conference on Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing - Record of Proceedings (PDF 52kb)

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