There is no Thorium issue as the amounts are not commercial quantities that can be used nor raise any concerns. Refer below to the ARU statement on their website.
WHAT ABOUT TAILINGS?
The chemical processes used by Arafura to recover the rare earths at Nolans will separate the uranium and thorium, removing it from the rare
earth and phosphoric acid products, before its final disposal in tailings storage facilities. The amount of uranium and thorium in tailings will be
similar to that in the Nolans orebody. During the life of the operation, tailings will be managed to minimise dust and exposure to radiation. The way in which tailings are managed at mine sites is pretty standard. They are pumped to storage dams so they are typically about 60% water and 40% solids. Because they are fine-grained material, the tailings stay moist for a long time which limits the chance of dust blowing off the surface.
When the mine closes, the tailings will be covered with a layer of rock, which will prevent erosion and provide a barrier to shield against the low
levels of radiation.
HOW IS RADIATION REGULATED?
Because there is uranium and thorium in the orebody, radiation must be monitored and controlled at Nolans. Arafura is bound by the same
standards that apply to uranium mines (and other radiation workplaces) in Australia, and throughout the world. In the Northern Territory, radiation in mining is regulated by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, the Department of Health, and NT WorkSafe. Companies must submit and have approved by the regulator a Radiation Management Plan to the regulator before starting exploration, mining or processing operations, showing how radiation
will be managed and controlled.
KEY MESSAGES
Radiation is everywhere in nature and has been studied and used for over a century.
Radiation is easily measured and controlled.
Doses to workers are very low - a small fraction of the regulatory limit.
Doses to people living near rare earths, mineral sands or uranium mines are much smaller than doses from natural background radiation.
Regulation is strict and based on sound and robust scientific data.
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