Radiation in uranium mines:A manual of radon gas emission characteristics and techniques for estimating ventilating air requirements

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 75, No. 845, 1982

R.W. THOMPKINS, Emeritus Professor of Mining Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, and Registered Specialist, Mine Environmental Engineering, Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario

This paper will be published in three parts. Part 1, in this issue, will cover the occurrence of uranium, radiation from uranium ores, the uranium series, radioactive theory, radioactive equilibrium and application to the radon series, the working level, the theory of emanation and diffusion, transport by thermal diffusion of radon emanating from porous rocks, and definitions.Part 2, to appear in the October issue, will deal with radiation theory applied to uranium ores, other radon migration factors, factors affecting the radon gas release rate, measurement of radon gas emanation rates, the tunnel concept, variation of emanation rate with grade, and estimating radioactivity from grade analysis.The series will conclude with Part 3, in the November issue, which will discuss the techniques for controlling radiation and give some example calculations.

Keywords: Environmental control, Radiation, Uranium mines, Ventilation, Radioactive theory, Radon, Thermal diffusion, Emanation rates.