It is proposed to prepare a radiation management plan for uranium mines
In Uzbekistan, a draft of requirements for the radiation management plan for uranium mining activities has been developed. It provides for defining measures for protecting personnel from radiation, environmental monitoring, radioactive waste control, and preparedness for potential emergencies in a single plan.
It is proposed to prepare a radiation management plan for uranium mines
According to the project, these requirements apply to legal entities and individuals who have the right to use subsoil resources and are engaged in uranium mining. It is specified that the mine development project must include a radiation management plan.
It is envisaged that the plan will be developed by the person responsible for radiation safety, agreed upon with the regional departments of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and approved by the leadership of the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety.
It is proposed to review the plan at least once every five years, as well as when technological changes affecting radiation safety are introduced. Subsoil users are expected to submit a report on its implementation annually by December 31.
The document sets a period of up to five working days for the review of the plan. In the absence of proposals and objections, the approved plan must be sent to the subsoil user within one working day. If there are justified objections, written notification regarding them must be provided no later than three working days, and the revised version must be submitted within ten working days.
**Employee protection and radiation control**
The project provides for measures for initial and periodic medical examinations of employees, provision of personal protective equipment, and monitoring and accounting of individual radiation doses. Also, procedures for training, retraining, and advanced training of employees in radiation safety must be reflected in the plan.
It is proposed to organize monitoring of gamma radiation, radon concentration, and radioactive aerosols in the air at workplaces. The plan must specify the methods and frequency of measurements, the procedure for storing and analyzing results, as well as measures to be taken when control levels are exceeded.
Mining operations are expected to be carried out based on technologies that reduce radioactive dust generation and radon release. Equipping ore processing facilities with closed water circulation systems and filtration equipment, as well as using automated radiation monitoring and warning systems, is also envisaged.
**Environment and radioactive waste**