Reduction Characteristics of Natural Radioactivity from Mine Tailings with Various Covering Materials According to Thickness

doi:10.12972/ksmer.2013.50.1.134

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2013 Vol.50, Issue 1 Preview Page

Research Paper

Reduction Characteristics of Natural Radioactivity from Mine Tailings with Various Covering Materials According to Thickness 차폐재 두께에 따른 광산폐기물의 자연방사능 수준 변화 특성: 전순원·정명채·정선희·권요셉·김중열·황인호·이진수·최홍일·Netzhanova Akmaral·Saputra Dadan·Hidayat Fiki·Priyandi Kusumah·홍성현
Soon Won Jeon, Myung Chae Jung, Seon Hee Jeong, Yo Seb Kwon, Jungyul Kim,In-Ho Hwang, Jin-Soo Lee, Hong Il Choe, Netzhanova Akmaral, Saputra Dadan, Hidayat Fiki, Priyandi Kusumah and Seong Hyeon Hong

28 February 2013. pp. 134-143

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Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the variations of natural radioactivity of mine wastes in the Boeun coal mine underlain by Okcheon black shale belt with covering materials including fly ash, soil and gravel. The total natural radioactivity was 300 CPS(count per second) per 1 kg of the mine wastes(tailings and waste rocks), and there is no radioactive variation by 0%, 10% and 20% compaction of each material. However, the radioactivity was exponentially decreased with 3, 6 and 9 cm thickness of the materials, and over 50% of the radioactivity was reduced as 6 cm topping of the materials. In addition, topping with gravel on the wastes was one of the best options in radioactivity reduction. Finally, it can be concluded that covering with 6 cm by various covering materials per 1 kg of the waste is quite enough to reduce natural radioactivity, and gravel layer plays a role in enhancing the reduction of the radioactivity from mine wastes.

Keywords

Covering materials

Natural radioactivity

Mine wastes

Covering system

Black shales

이 연구의 목적은 옥천대 흑색 셰일이 분포하는 지역의 보은탄광 광산폐기물을 대상으로 플라이애쉬(fly ash), 복토재(soil for covering) 및 자갈(gravel) 등의 차폐재를 사용하여 그 두께에 따른 자연방사능의 수준 변화 특성을 평가하는 것이다. 채취한 광산폐기물(광물찌꺼기, 폐석 등) 1 kg당 자연방사능은 300 CPS(count per second)로 측정되었으며, 0%, 10%, 20%의 다짐도에 따른 변화는 미약하였다. 소형칼럼(Φ8 cm × 24 cm)에 광산폐기물 1 kg을 넣고 차폐재를 3, 6 및 9 cm로 충진하고 자연방사능 변화를 측정한 결과, 차폐재의 두께에 따라 자연방사능 값이 지수적으로 감소하였으며, 특히 6 cm로 충진한 경우 초기 자연방사능의 50% 이상을 저감할 수 있었다. 또한 차폐재별 효율을 비교한 결과, 자갈이 가장 우수하게 나타났다. 따라서 경제성과 현장 적용성을 고려한다면 광산폐기물 1 kg당 상기 차폐재를 6 cm 전후 두께로 충진할 경우 충분한 자연방사능의 차폐가 가능하며, 자갈과 함께 충진시 차폐효율은 증가할 것이라 판단된다.

키워드

차폐재

자연방사능

광산폐기물

차폐시스템

흑색 셰일

References

Burkhardt, E.M., Meibner, S., Merten, D., Buchel, G. and Kusel, K., 2009, “Heavy metal retention and microbial activities in geochemical barriers formed in glacial sediments subjacent to a former uranium mining leaching heap,” Chemie der Erde, 69, S2, pp. 21-34.
Chang, S.E. and Lee, M.H., 2008, “Characterization and feasibility study of the soil washing process applying to the soil having high uranium concentration in Korea,” J. Korea Society of Soil and Groundwater Environ, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 8-19.
Chon, H.T. and Jung, M.C., 1991, “Dispersion of toxic elements in the area covered with uranium-bearing black shales in Korea,” J. Korean Inst. Mining Geol., Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 245-260.
Chung, M.K., Seo, K.W. and Lee, Y.S., 1998, “Hydraulic conductivity and microscopic analysis of fly ash liner,” J. Korea Society of Geotechnica., Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 109-124.
Dinis, M.L. and Fiuza, A., 2011, “Modeling of a Optimized Multiayer Cover Design for a Uranium Mill Tailings Disposal-11607,” MW2011 Conference
Ham, T.G., 2007, “An experimental study on compaction characteristics of gravel-mixed decomposed granite soil,” J. Korea Society of Geotechnical, Vol. 23, No. 11, pp. 59-66.
Ho, C.K., Arnold, B.W., Cochran, J.R. and Taira, R.Y., 2002a, “Risk-Based Performance Assessments for Long-Term Cover Systems: Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analyses,” Spectrum 2002 Conference.
Ho, C.K., Arnold, B.W. and Cochran, J.R., 2002b, “Development of a Risk-Based Probabilistic Performance-Assessment Mothod for Long-Term Cover Systems-2nd Edition,” SAND2002-3131.
Jeon, S.R., Shin, I.J. and Lee, K.S., 2001, “Geochemistry of stream water around the abandoned Boeun coal mine, Hoenam area,” J. Korean of Environ Agriculture., Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 22-27.
Kim, J.S. and Chon, H.T., 1997, “Dispersion and Enrichment of potentially toxic elements in Chubu area covered with black shales and slates in Korea,” Econ. Environ. Geol., Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 89-103.
Kim, W.S. and Min, K.N., 2006, “Petrochemical study of igneous rocks occurring in the northwestern part of keumsan area, Chungnam-do,” J. Korea Society of Miner., Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 99-109.
KORES, 2011, Reserves of mineral resources status, Korea Resources Corporation, p. 184.
Lee, C.H. and Kim. M.G., 2008, “A study on the engineering characteristics of soil -Fly ash- bentonite liner,” J. Korea Society of Geo-Environ., Vol. 9, No. 6, pp. 21-29.
Lee, D.J., 1986, “Mineralogy of low-grade uranium ores in the black slate of the Ogcheon group, Korea,” J. Korean Inst. Mining Geol., Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 133-146.
Lee, J.S., Chon, H.T. and Kim, K.W., 1996, “Dispersion and enrichment of potentially toxic elements in the Chungjoo area covered with black shales in Korea,” Econ. Environ. Geol., Vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 495-508.
Lee, J.S., Chon, H.T. and Kim, K.W., 1997, “Dispersion and migration of potentially toxic elements in the rock-soil-plant system from the Boeun Area underlain by black shales, Korea,” Econ. Environ. Geol., Vol. 30, No. 6, pp. 587-601.
Lee, M.S. and Chon, H.T., 1980, “Geochemical correlations between uranium and other components in U-bearing formations of Ogcheon belt,” J. Korean Inst. Mining Geol., Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 241-246.
Leoni, G.L.M., Soares, M.S. and Fernandes, A.H.M., 2004, “Computational modelling of final covers for uranium mill tailings impoundments,” Journal of Hazardous Meterials, 110, pp. 139-149.
Mudd, G.M., 2000, “Remediation of Uranium Mill Tailings Wastes in Australia : A Critical Review, Contaminated Site Remediation : From Source Zones to Ecosystems,” Proc, 2, pp. 777-784.
Mudd, G.M., 2008, “Radon releases from Australian uranium mining and milling projects: assessing the UNSCEAR approach,” Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 99, pp. 288-315.
Seo, K.W., 1995, “A study on the gamma scanning test used for nondestructive test radiation shielding material,” J. Korea Society of Nondestructive Testing, Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 561-567.
Shim, J.C., Moon, H.S. and Oh, J.H., 1995, “Mineralogy of graphitic nodules distributed in black shale in the Ogcheon group,” J. Miner. Soc. Korea., Vol. 8, pp. 108-117.
Usmen, M.A., Bowders, J.J. and Gidley, J.S., 1988, “Low Permeablility Liners Incorporating Fly Ash,” Proc. of the ASCE National Convention, Nashville, TN, USA, pp. 50-65.
Waugh, W.J., Kastens, M.K. and Sheader, L.R.L., 2008, “Monitoring the Performance of an Alternative Landfill Cover at the Monticello, Utah, Uranium Mill Tailings Disposal Site,” WM2008 Conference.

Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineers
Publisher(Ko) :한국자원공학회
Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Society of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineers
Journal Title(Ko) :한국자원공학회지
Volume : 50
No :1
Pages :134-143
DOI :https://doi.org/10.12972/ksmer.2013.50.1.134

[1] Burkhardt, E.M., Meibner, S., Merten, D., Buchel, G. and Kusel, K., 2009, “Heavy metal retention and microbial activities in geochemical barriers formed in glacial sediments subjacent to a former uranium mining leaching heap,” Chemie der Erde, 69, S2, pp. 21-34.

[2] Chang, S.E. and Lee, M.H., 2008, “Characterization and feasibility study of the soil washing process applying to the soil having high uranium concentration in Korea,” J. Korea Society of Soil and Groundwater Environ, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 8-19.

[3] Chon, H.T. and Jung, M.C., 1991, “Dispersion of toxic elements in the area covered with uranium-bearing black shales in Korea,” J. Korean Inst. Mining Geol., Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 245-260.

[4] Chung, M.K., Seo, K.W. and Lee, Y.S., 1998, “Hydraulic conductivity and microscopic analysis of fly ash liner,” J. Korea Society of Geotechnica., Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 109-124.

[5] Dinis, M.L. and Fiuza, A., 2011, “Modeling of a Optimized Multiayer Cover Design for a Uranium Mill Tailings Disposal-11607,” MW2011 Conference

[6] Ham, T.G., 2007, “An experimental study on compaction characteristics of gravel-mixed decomposed granite soil,” J. Korea Society of Geotechnical, Vol. 23, No. 11, pp. 59-66.

[7] Ho, C.K., Arnold, B.W., Cochran, J.R. and Taira, R.Y., 2002a, “Risk-Based Performance Assessments for Long-Term Cover Systems: Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analyses,” Spectrum 2002 Conference.

[8] Ho, C.K., Arnold, B.W. and Cochran, J.R., 2002b, “Development of a Risk-Based Probabilistic Performance-Assessment Mothod for Long-Term Cover Systems-2nd Edition,” SAND2002-3131.

[9] Jeon, S.R., Shin, I.J. and Lee, K.S., 2001, “Geochemistry of stream water around the abandoned Boeun coal mine, Hoenam area,” J. Korean of Environ Agriculture., Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 22-27.

[10] Kim, J.S. and Chon, H.T., 1997, “Dispersion and Enrichment of potentially toxic elements in Chubu area covered with black shales and slates in Korea,” Econ. Environ. Geol., Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 89-103.

[11] Kim, W.S. and Min, K.N., 2006, “Petrochemical study of igneous rocks occurring in the northwestern part of keumsan area, Chungnam-do,” J. Korea Society of Miner., Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 99-109.

[12] KORES, 2011, Reserves of mineral resources status, Korea Resources Corporation, p. 184.

[13] Lee, C.H. and Kim. M.G., 2008, “A study on the engineering characteristics of soil -Fly ash- bentonite liner,” J. Korea Society of Geo-Environ., Vol. 9, No. 6, pp. 21-29.

[14] Lee, D.J., 1986, “Mineralogy of low-grade uranium ores in the black slate of the Ogcheon group, Korea,” J. Korean Inst. Mining Geol., Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 133-146.

[15] Lee, J.S., Chon, H.T. and Kim, K.W., 1996, “Dispersion and enrichment of potentially toxic elements in the Chungjoo area covered with black shales in Korea,” Econ. Environ. Geol., Vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 495-508.

[16] Lee, J.S., Chon, H.T. and Kim, K.W., 1997, “Dispersion and migration of potentially toxic elements in the rock-soil-plant system from the Boeun Area underlain by black shales, Korea,” Econ. Environ. Geol., Vol. 30, No. 6, pp. 587-601.

[17] Lee, M.S. and Chon, H.T., 1980, “Geochemical correlations between uranium and other components in U-bearing formations of Ogcheon belt,” J. Korean Inst. Mining Geol., Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 241-246.

[18] Leoni, G.L.M., Soares, M.S. and Fernandes, A.H.M., 2004, “Computational modelling of final covers for uranium mill tailings impoundments,” Journal of Hazardous Meterials, 110, pp. 139-149.

[19] Mudd, G.M., 2000, “Remediation of Uranium Mill Tailings Wastes in Australia : A Critical Review, Contaminated Site Remediation : From Source Zones to Ecosystems,” Proc, 2, pp. 777-784.

[20] Mudd, G.M., 2008, “Radon releases from Australian uranium mining and milling projects: assessing the UNSCEAR approach,” Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 99, pp. 288-315.

[21] Seo, K.W., 1995, “A study on the gamma scanning test used for nondestructive test radiation shielding material,” J. Korea Society of Nondestructive Testing, Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 561-567.

[22] Shim, J.C., Moon, H.S. and Oh, J.H., 1995, “Mineralogy of graphitic nodules distributed in black shale in the Ogcheon group,” J. Miner. Soc. Korea., Vol. 8, pp. 108-117.

[23] Usmen, M.A., Bowders, J.J. and Gidley, J.S., 1988, “Low Permeablility Liners Incorporating Fly Ash,” Proc. of the ASCE National Convention, Nashville, TN, USA, pp. 50-65.

[24] Waugh, W.J., Kastens, M.K. and Sheader, L.R.L., 2008, “Monitoring the Performance of an Alternative Landfill Cover at the Monticello, Utah, Uranium Mill Tailings Disposal Site,” WM2008 Conference.

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