Risk assessment of uranium in selected gold mining areas in South Africa

Abstract

Real and perceived risks due to gold and uranium mining in the West Rand and Far West Rand goldfields of South Africa have led to intense and sometimes heated public debate. In this context, it is critical to present results of such investigations carefully in a neutral format. The format for reporting in the current study was that of a Tier-II risk assessment, as routinely implemented by the US EPA. Sources, release and fate and transport mechanisms have been investigated and integrated with identified pathways to the local communities. An unacceptable level of risk has been identified, primarily due to the chemical toxicity of uranium on ingestion via drinking water.