Pre-operational survey of a U mine near Val Vedello, Italy.

Results obtained from radiometric research carried out from 1980-81 in the region of U mines in the Val Vedello are provided. Data are presented on 222Rn, 226Ra and natural U concentrations in spring and surface waters. Concentrations were found to be relatively low. There is some increase in the vicinity of the exploratory U mine but this is, at least up to the present, only of a local character. Data are presented on external gamma exposure, 210Pb and 210Po in foodstuffs and in the urine of normal and exposed population as well as 226Ra in milk and vegetable samples. The aim of this study is to outline a preliminary map of natural radioactivity on the site before starting the mining activity. This will enable us later to detect changes caused by the U mining, milling and mill-tailing disposal operations.