Tin mining and processing in Nigeria: cause for concern?

The range and means of measured dose rates and activity concentrations of 40K, natural U and Th in environmental samples of a Nigerian tin mine and its tailing sites are presented. The measured concentration levels of eU and eTh in tailing samples and the measured dose rates were found to be elevated with values up to approximately 100 times above background levels of control soils. For the purpose of protection of workers and the public it is therefore advisable that these sites should be properly monitored, controlled and potential remediation strategies be considered in order to avoid any radiological impact to the population.