Rare Earth Underground Mining Approaches with Respect to Radioactivity Control and Monitoring Strategies

All rare earth deposits contain Natural Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs), which primarily comprise radionuclides from the decay series of elements like Uranium (U) and Thorium (Th), especially products like radon. The contents of these materials are variable, and often occupational and environmental radiation exposures during mining need to be carefully assessed during the selection of appropriate technologies. The restriction of exposure to radon is the main target to help maintain a safe underground working environment. Mine ventilation is the primary technique of controlling ambient concentrations of radon progeny. In this paper, an attempt is made to determine the radon dispersion sources and the risks related to radiation exposure. Evaluations are made of the boundary conditions and the technologies that can contribute to the restriction and removal of radon from the underground mine air.