Residues/Waste Management 

The most effective approach to managing residues or waste lies in their minimization. This begins with a thorough examination and evaluation of the relevant operational processes, which may also incorporate strategies for recycling or reusing materials. 

However, even after exhausting all possible minimization strategies, Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) waste may still accumulate unintentionally through certain operational processes or decommissioning activities. Regulatory bodies may require that well-structured measures be in place as a prerequisite for granting operational permits. 

Additionally, effective management of NORM waste is essential not only for operational efficiency but also for mitigating liability risks that may arise. Efficient NORM waste management requires a carefully planned sequence of safe processing, considering the potential hazards associated with these materials along with strict adherence to regulatory standards, waste acceptance criteria, and other relevant requirements. The process typically includes three key steps:

(1) Radiological characterization and analysis of operational procedures,

(2) Treatment, sometimes referred to as pre-disposal and which can include the conditioning of the waste,


Conventional processing of uranium ore and other Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) typically generates substantial quantities of tailings, which can still retain significant levels of radionuclides. To address the hazards associated with these tailings, particularly when dealing with high-grade ore, the concept of Radionuclide Extraction has been developed as a way to manage the risks linked to conventional surface disposal methods.

Purification processes are employed to treat liquid waste, effectively removing radionuclides and other contaminants. Common techniques for wastewater treatment include membrane filtration, ion exchange, and the application of chemical reagents. However, because of the high energy consumption and the potentially large volumes of wastewater involved, evaporation methods may generally not considered efficient.

In contrast, when faced with solid NORM waste such as sludges, dewatering techniques are utilized. These techniques may involve methods ranging from basic settling and decantation to more advanced processes like centrifugation or filtration, and even enhanced desiccation methods, such as drying within drums. In situations involving high volumes of waste with substantial contamination levels, extraction methods can also be applied to assist in waste management.

For combustible waste, incineration is commonly used primarily to achieve significant volume reduction. This process involves meticulous emission control measures to ensure that radionuclides are effectively contained and do not escape into the environment.

Decontamination can be viewed as a type of pre-treatment that prepares NORM waste for any necessary subsequent processing. It focuses on separating radionuclides from other materials, thereby facilitating eventual conventional disposal of the latter.

High-force compaction is another effective strategy, employing hydraulic presses that can exert pressures around 2,000 tons to significantly reduce the volume of appropriate waste types. However, this method is limited to waste that can be compacted, such as spent PPE, metal scrap etc.

Cementation stands as a globally recognized method for the safe immobilization of radioactive waste, although it does result in increased volume and weight. Contaminated inorganic solutions, such as wastewater, may serve as tempering water during the cementation process. Nonetheless, the activity levels of NORM waste typically do not require such measures.

For separating radionuclides from bulk materials like contaminated soil, Remediation Technologies such as soil washing or utilizing radiation scanning conveyor belts can be effective options.

In many instances, packaging NORM waste in large bags is adequate. To further secure immobilization and confinement, treatment can be concluded with packaging the waste in steel drums or containers. Additionally, implementing a waste tracking system ensures reliable tracking of each package throughout the process.

(3) Disposal, which focuses on the long-term safe containment or storage of the waste.

Once treatment is completed, the NORM waste becomes suitable for final disposal. While often the responsibility for actual waste disposal remains with the state, allowing projects to deliver treated NORM waste to licensed disposal facilities, in cases of high waste volumes, projects may establish their own on-site disposal facilities. 

Various technical options for disposal are generally available, including:

- Backfilling mined-out underground spaces or open pits
- Reinjection of liquid or flowable NORM waste into its original deposit
- Surface or near-surface disposal in landfill-like repositories
- Borehole disposal, particularly when other options are not viable
- Underground disposal, including co-disposal with other radioactive waste.

The decision regarding which disposal method to implement is determined by the technical and radiological characteristics of the waste, along with specific regulatory requirements in the respective country.

If long-lived radionuclides are present in significant concentrations, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommends underground disposal. However, many countries may permit surface disposal of certain types of eligible NORM waste.

Ultimately, the duration for which disposal is required is determined primarily by radiological factors such as the concentration, half-life, and activity of the radionuclides involved, as well as the regulatory demands of the country in question. Consequently, safe containment may need to be ensured for time spans ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of years.

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