Mathematical modelling of radon (222Rn) exposure of underground mine workers: a comprehensive review

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Authors

  • ,IN
  • ,IN
  • ,IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jmmf/2020/27960

Keywords:

Depletion, modelling, radon (222Rn) daughters, contamination, radiation, hazards, porousness

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to establish the methods for determination of total growth of 222Rn daughters and 222Rn exposure of the workers at desired places of mines. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the types of radiation hazards associated with underground uranium mining. The mathematical modelling of the growth of 222Rn daughters for a horizontal tunnel is also derived in this paper. Further, an example of the determination of inhalation exposure of miners in a cut-and-fill stope mine is provided in this paper. A critical analysis of the literature review revealed that the radiological hazards associated with low-grade uranium ore are primarily owing to inhalation of 222Rn and its daughters. The total growth of 222Rn daughters are found to be 0.468 μJ/m3 that are calculated based on the reported values of 222Rn release rate from mine walls, blasting materials, fill materials, and the percolating water. Further, it also revealed that the radon contamination of intake air was the significant contributory factor in the radiation exposure of uranium mine workers.

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Published

2021-06-11

How to Cite

Sahu, P., Athar Beg, I., & Panigrahi, D. (2021). Mathematical modelling of radon (222Rn) exposure of underground mine workers: a comprehensive review. Journal of Mines, Metals and Fuels, 68(11&12), 349–353. https://doi.org/10.18311/jmmf/2020/27960
Received 2021-06-11
Accepted 2021-06-11
Published 2021-06-11

 

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