Characteristics of Natural Background Radiation in the Polkowice-Sieroszowice Mine, Poland

Natural radioactivity in underground locations is the main parameter for the safety of work (occupational hazards) and for the success of experiments in physics or biology requiring unique conditions. The characterization of natural prominence was carried out in the Conceptual Lab development in one of KGHM deep copper mines co-ordinated by KGHM Cuprum R&D. Natural radioactivity studies were performed and included in situ gamma spectrometry, neutron flux measurements, radon concentration, and alpha and gamma laboratory spectrometry measurements of rock samples. At a depth of 1014.4 m (2941.8 m w.e.) within the anhydrite layer, a neutron flux of 2.0 +/- 0.2 x 10(-6) cm(-2) s(-1), a gamma-ray dose of 0.008 +/- 0.001 mu Sv/h, a photon flux density of 0.64 +/- 0.20 cm(-2) s(-1), and a radon concentration of 6.6 Bq/m(3) were determined. Laboratory analyses of Ra-226,Ra-228, K-40, and U-238,U-234 concentrations in collected rock samples showed low values. The exceptionally low level of natural radioactivity in the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine makes this location a unique place for scientific research.

Automated summary

The natural radioactivity in underground locations is crucial for work safety and research experiments, and KGHM conducted a study on natural radioactivity, finding exceptionally low levels in the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine.