Radiation and dust management in mineral sands mining

The Victorian Government sets strict regulatory controls to protect workers, communities and the environment. This includes managing very small amounts of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) found in some mineral sands.

Understanding radiation

Radiation is a form of energy that occurs naturally at very low levels around us every day. This is called ‘background radiation’.

Common natural sources of radiation include:

• the human body
• soil and rocks
• water
• plants and food
• cosmic rays from the sun and space.

Some everyday items also produce small amounts of radiation, such as:

• X-rays and some medical equipment
• smoke detectors
• microwave ovens.

Australians typically receive around 1.5 millisieverts (mSv) of background radiation each year. This is a low level. A person whose occupation deals with radiation, such as a medical imaging technologist, may receive from 1 to 3 mSv each year. Under Australian law, occupational exposure to radiation should be limited to 20 mSv per year and not exceed 50 mSv .

Annual radiation exposure examples

Mineral sands and NORMs

Some mineral sands, such as uranium and thorium, contain small amounts of NORMs. These can become more concentrated during mining and processing, so they must be managed carefully.

Before mining can start, operators must:

• complete a detailed assessment
• prepare an environmental effects statement (EES) that shows how risks like dust or radiation will be managed.

If approved, operators must then provide a work plan that shows how activities will be undertaken and risks managed.

Managing radiation risks

Operators must follow strict controls when dealing with NORMs, including:

• regular testing of dust, atmospheric gases, water, soil and materials used or produced onsite
• measures to contain materials, such as enclosed processing systems, water sprays and secure storage facilities to contain radioactive materials.

These controls help prevent the spread of radioactive materials and protect workers and the community.

Managing dust

Dust is common in dry mining practices. Operators must minimise it as part of their work plans.

They can use dust control methods to wet down areas and stop dust from spreading. These methods include:

• water sprays
• tanker vehicles
• other dust control systems.

Strong oversight

We work with other agencies to regulate mining and manage risks, including NORMs and dust.

• Victorian Department of Health – issues radiation management licences required for mineral sands mining
• WorkSafe Victoria – enforces workplace health and safety regulations related to radiation exposure
• Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) – provides national guidance on the measurement and management of radiation
• Environment Protection Authority of Victoria (EPA) – enforces environmental laws under the general environmental duty
• Local councils – applies planning controls for any radiation-related operations within their boundaries

Page last updated: 22 May 2026