Priargunsky Mining and Chemical Works, Krasnokamensk, Russia:

S. I. Shchukin, Chief Geologist
N. V. Ovcharenko, Chief Geologist of Urtui Open Pit Mine Management

Transbaikal State University, Chita, Russia:

G. P. Sidorova, Professor, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, druja@inbox.ru

The modern world is faced with an acute problem of radiological assessment of impact exerted on geoecology of an area by coal mining operations. Coal is known as a natural sorbent capable to accumulate natural radioactive nuclides of uranium–thorium series. This property of coal shows itself as increased content of radioactive elements in water in mines, background radiation in storage areas of coal with the increased content of nuclides, etc. Many coal fields are developed without radiation control these days. When coal with high concentration of nuclides is used by thermal stations, boiler-houses and private house furnaces, generated ash is saturated with nuclides, which creates extra radiation load on the surrounding area and becomes a source of nuclear pollution of the environment and radiation exposure of people. The authors discuss the radio-ecological monitoring system adopted in the area of the Urtui lignite field to eliminate adverse impact on geo-ecology and health under residential use of the Urtui field coal. The system of monitoring of natural environment within the limits of the Urtui lignite field in the course of mining provides adequate time history of the natural habitat components affected by mining. Based on the monitoring information, decisions are made on control of mineral mining operations and mitigation of adverse effect of mines on the environment.

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