Speaker
Description
Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials resulting from Mining activities in Jos, North-Central Nigeria. Experience and Challenges
Abstract
Radioactivity and radiation are natural phenomena. We are constantly exposed to natural radiation and radioactivity in our everyday life; numerous industrial processes generate wastes that concentrate various elements, including those that contain some levels of elevated radioactivity.
This paper will discuss the effect of this radiation resulting from the mining activities in Jos, Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria. The impacts of mining on the Plateau are still felt as investigation has shown that there are more than 3,000 mining ponds in the state. The ponds are mostly in Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Jos East, Riyom, Bokos and Mangu local government areas. They account for over 65 per cent of the landscape of Plateau. What are Tin tailings, where they are found, why they end up in residuals and Residents of the areas are exposed to direct regular access to these sites. In addition, tailing debris are used as building materials, contaminated soil are used by locals for agriculture mainly in crop production and sand contaminated with mine tailings is used in roasting groundnuts for human consumption. I will attempt to explain terms like Radon-226, Thorium-232. Provide context of hazard and risk related to the disposal of these residuals.
At the end of this presentation I will also attempt to define Radioactivity and radiation as it relates to Background Radiation in comparison with the radiation that originates from mining activities in Jos and proffer ways to overcome these challenges.
