Course in Radiological Protection in Uranium Mining
Online 300-hour course in radiological protection in uranium mining. 6 modules covering Directive 2013/59/Euratom (radon and NORM), IAEA GSG-7 (occupational radiological protection) and RESRAD-ONSITE. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the sources of natural radioactivity in uranium extraction and processing.
Assess worker exposure to radon, dust and external radiation.
Apply ventilation, dust control and personal protection measures.
Manage waste rock, mine water and their impact on the environment.
Plan the closure and restoration of uranium mining operations.
Analyse mining legacies and their remediation.
Develop an integrated radiological protection project for a uranium mine.
Who it's for
- Mining radiological protection technician who wants to specialise in Radiological protection in uranium mining.
- Mining engineer who wants to specialise in Radiological protection in uranium mining.
- Environmental restoration specialist who wants to specialise in Radiological protection in uranium mining.
- Radon monitoring technician who wants to specialise in Radiological protection in uranium mining.
- NORM materials consultant who wants to specialise in Radiological protection in uranium mining.
- Mining facilities inspector who wants to specialise in Radiological protection in uranium mining.
- Graduates in engineering or science who want to enter the mining sector.
What you'll work with
- Directive 2013/59/Euratom (radon and NORM)
- IAEA GSG-7 (occupational radiological protection)
- ICRP Publication 126 (protection against radon)
- ICRP Publication 142 (protection in NORM industries)
- ICRP Publication 137 (occupational intakes of radionuclides, part 3)
- Directive 2006/21/EC (waste from extractive industries)
- Royal Decree 975/2009 (management of waste from extractive industries)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Uranium geology and types of deposit1.2Uranium decay chain and progeny1.3Mining methods: open pit, underground and in-situ leaching1.4Process stages up to concentrate1.5Sources of exposure at each stage1.6Radon and short-lived progeny1.7Dust containing long-lived radionuclides1.8External gamma exposure at the working face1.9Regulatory framework applicable to mining1.10Exercise: exposure map of an operation
2.1Measurement of radon concentration and potential alpha energy2.2Equilibrium factors and unattached fraction2.3Aerosol sampling and particle size analysis2.4Personal dosimetry for radon and dust2.5Measurement of gamma dose rate2.6Applicable dose coefficients2.7Calculation of annual dose by route2.8Homogeneous exposure groups2.9Uncertainty of the estimate2.10Practical: estimating the annual dose of a miner
3.1Ventilation as the main measure3.2Ventilation circuit design and airflow rates3.3Radon control in workings and enclosures3.4Dust suppression: water, extraction and encapsulation3.5Isolation of abandoned workings3.6Work organisation and rotation3.7Respiratory protection and its limits3.8Personal hygiene and changing facilities3.9Verification of measure effectiveness3.10Practical: sizing the ventilation of a working
4.1Waste rock and low-grade ore4.2Processing residues and tailings ponds4.3Radon emission from exposed surfaces4.4Management of mine water and process water4.5Transfer to soils, crops and livestock4.6Environmental radiological monitoring4.7Doses to nearby populations4.8Impact on biota4.9Communication with the local community4.10Practical: environmental monitoring programme
5.1Closure planning from the project stage5.2Capping and stabilisation of tailings ponds5.3Restoration criteria and future land use criteria5.4Long-term institutional monitoring5.5Financial guarantees for closure5.6Historical sites and remediation5.7Health surveillance of workers5.8Recognition of occupational disease5.9Lessons from closed operations5.10Practical: closure plan for a facility
6.1Selection of the operation and its method6.2Radiological characterisation of the site6.3Assessment of occupational exposure6.4Design of protection measures6.5Radiological and environmental monitoring programme6.6Waste and water management6.7Closure and restoration plan6.8Health surveillance plan6.9Report on the radiological protection plan6.10Project defence
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is RESRAD-ONSITE, IDAC-Dose (internal dosimetry), QGIS, Leapfrog Geo, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case studies are based on real procedures from radon measurement campaigns in galleries, evaluations of dose from dust inhalation, and studies of the restoration of former operations. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrated project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the sources of natural radioactivity in uranium extraction and processing.
Assess worker exposure to radon, dust and external radiation.
Apply ventilation, dust control and personal protection measures.
Manage waste rock, mine water and their impact on the environment.
Plan the closure and restoration of uranium mining operations.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 total hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That works out to an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with RESRAD-ONSITE, IDAC-Dose (internal dosimetry), QGIS, Leapfrog Geo. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the open-source alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrated project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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