The Activities, Conclusions and Recommendations of the Interdepartmental Uranium Committee Concerning the Uranium Exploration and Mining Industries
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources
Mineral Resources Branch
Open File Report ME 1994-006
By G. A. O'Reilly, (Chair), Department of Natural Resources; D. A. Khan, (Secretary), Department of Natural Resources; D. R. Briggins, Department of the Environment; D. E. Hiltz, Department of the Environment; P. J. Wall, Department of the Environment; Dr. J. Scott, Department of Health.
Table of Contents
Letter of Transmittal
Forward
Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations Presented in this Report
Conclusions and Recommendations of the Uranium Inquiry - Nova Scotia
Formation of the Interdepartmental Uranium Committee
Terms of Reference
Section 1. History of the Uranium Issue in Nova Scotia
Introduction
Exploration and Discovery of Uranium in Nova Scotia
Types of Uranium Occurrences
Government Regulation and Action on Uranium Issues
Special Uranium Exploration Licences
Formulating the Terms and Conditions for Uranium Exploration
Calling of a Moratorium on Uranium Exploration in Nova Scotia
The Uranium Inquiry - Nova Scotia
The Interdepartmental Uranium Committee
Department of Mines and Energy
Department of the Environment
Department of Health
Section 2. Release of Closed Grounds Process
Introduction
Radiation Exposure Versus a Uranium Concentration Threshold
Radiation Exposure Thresholds
The Concept of an Economic Concentration Threshold for Uranium
Establishing an Economic Concentration Threshold for Uranium
Review of Existing Regulations and Monitoring Procedures
Implementation of 1986 Committee Recommendations
Determining Areas of Uranium Mineralizations
Summary of Uranium Closures
Radiation Surveys of Mines and Exploration Sites in Nova Scotia
Radon Surveys
Gamma-Ray Spectrometer Surveys
Revision of Mineral Resources Act Regulations and Exploration Monitoring Policy
Recommendations
Section 3. The Issue of Exploration for Uranium
Introduction
The Mineral Exploration Process
Preliminary Exploration Stage
Initial Exploration Stage
Advanced Exploration Stage
Mine Development Stage
Environmental Monitoring of Exploration at Millet Brook