Modelling and measurement of radon diffusion through soil application on mine tailings dams.

Abstract

Radon (222Rn) has been identified as an important factor that could result in a health hazard by studies all around the world. The health risks can be minimised by preventive measures where radon is highly concentrated as in some mines and homes. A study in the diffusion of the inert gas, will give us a better understanding of its possible pathways through soil into the air surrounding mine dumps where the radon releases can become hazardous. Measuring and modelling the radon concentrations in the mine dump soil, can help to deduce the radon flux to identify the problem areas for rehabilitation especially in the cases of gold and uranium mine tailings.