Legislation in relation to mineral sands

[Tsurikov Nick <ntsuriko@rgc.com.au>]

Dear Radsafers

I would like to ask you to direct me in obtaining any information in   
relation to different contries' legislation in relation to mineral sands;   
namely: ZIRCON, RUTILE and ILMENITE.  The mineral monazite usually   
present in mineral sands contain about 6% thorium and some uranium and,   
therefore, radiation monitoring programs were designed to monitor a   
possible exposure of workers and members of the public.

ZIRCON, RUTILE and ILMENITE contain thorium and uranium in concentrations   
incomparable with monazite and, therefore, as a separate minerals, were   
not a subject for any significant radiation protection programs in   
Australia.

However, the proposed limit for TENORM (Techncally Enhanced Naturally   
Occurring Radioactive Materials) of 5 pCi/g (CRCPD:   
http//www.webpub.com/~crcpd/) can potentially lead to classification of   
ZIRCON, RUTILE and ILMENITE as 'radioactive materials'.

Any information that can be obtained on radon emanation rates from   
mineral sands, information on the lack (or presence) of significant   
health hazards associated with NORM from Zircon for members of the public   
and workers, and information of disposal of zircon in land fills will be   
very useful.

Thank you

Nick Tsurikov,
Radiation Safety Officer - RGC Mineral Sands Limited
P.O. Box 47
Eneabba, WA 6518
AUSTRALIA
ph: +61 08 9956 9555
fax: +61 08 9956 9597

e-mail:   ntsuriko@rgc.com.au

(Those views are mine only, not those of my employer)