Semi-empirical modelling of radiation exposure to naturally occuring radioactive materials (NORMS) in a goldmine in Ghana

Abstract

A semi-empirical analytical model has been developed and used to assess the radiation doses to workers in a goldmine in Ghana. The gamma dose rates from naturally occurring radioactive materials (uranium-thorium series, potassium-40 and radon concentrations) were related to the annual effective doses for surface and under-ground mining operations. The calculated effective doses were verified by comparison with field measurements and correlation ratio of 0.94 and 0.93 were obtained respectively between the calculated and the measured data of surface and underground mining. The results agreed with the approved international levels for normal radiation exposure in the mining environment.

Journal of Applied Science and Technology Vol. 10(1&2) 2005: 72-79