Environmental radioactivity in gold mining in Burkina Faso and potential recycling of mining waste rocks.

Naturally occurring radionuclides have been reported to occur in high concentrations in gold deposits and with other metal ores in Africa. These radionuclides can be released during mining operations and ore processing, causing harmful radiation exposure of mine workers and nearby populations, and may render the mining waste rocks unusable. One large gold mine site in Burkina Faso, near Mana Village, was assessed for naturally occurring radionuclide levels. The area was surveyed for ambient radiation dose rate. Samples from waste rock and sludge from ore milling were analysed by alpha spectrometry, confirming the presence of naturally occurring radionuclides but in relatively low concentrations. It was concluded that mine workers are not exposed to radiation doses significantly above the unmodified natural radiation background. Furthermore, waste rock piles from mining operations can be recycled and used in road construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]