Importance of Continuous Uranium Research and Management of NORM Residues: Insights from BRIN and IAEA Workshop in Yogyakarta

Title: BRIN Highlights the Significance of Continuous Uranium Research and Management of Natural Radioactive Material Residues

Date: June 20, 2023

Yogyakarta – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has emphasized the importance of research and development in the sustainable production of uranium and the safe management of residues containing natural radioactive materials. In a recent interregional workshop held in Yogyakarta, BRIN, along with the State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), committed to increasing awareness regarding the need for managing activities and residues related to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM).

The Head of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technology Research Center and the National Agency for Radioactive Waste, Syaiful Bakhri, highlighted the crucial role of research in deepening our understanding of uranium production and NORM management. He emphasized that research provides innovation, best practices, and collaboration opportunities, benefiting industry stakeholders and policymakers.

The demands of member countries for safe and sustainable uranium production and NORM residue management align with the larger goal of achieving a nuclear energy renaissance. This goal becomes even more significant as the world strives to address climate change and achieve net-zero emissions globally.

BRIN hopes that the insights and knowledge shared during the workshop will contribute to meeting these demands and promote safe and sustainable practices in uranium production and NORM residue management. By sharing knowledge, experience, and best practices, the workshop aims to enhance understanding, expertise, networking, and lasting partnerships, particularly in the management of NORM activities and residues.

Yustiar Gunawan, the Director of Competency Development at BRIN, emphasized that processing unusual radioactive materials presents unique challenges and opportunities. The workshop serves as a platform for presenting knowledge, experience, and practices to manage and mitigate the resulting impacts. It aims to strengthen understanding and improve strategies to address important issues related to NORM.

Noviyanthi, the Head of the Bureau of Foreign Technical Cooperation at the Ministry of State Secretariat, highlighted the unique challenge and consideration posed by residues resulting from the uranium production process due to their radiological hazard potential. She stressed the importance of comprehensively understanding the risks involved and implementing effective strategies for their management and disposal.

Zhiwen Fan from the IAEA emphasized the significance of developing a methodology for exchanging experience and information on NORM. He stressed the need to adapt ways of thinking to the natural conditions of each country, as different countries require different types of industries and contexts.

In recent years, workshops like this have been conducted virtually, but this year’s event was held face-to-face in Indonesia, a beautiful country. The workshop, which took place from June 19 to June 23, 2023, saw the participation of approximately 25 attendees from various countries. Its primary objective was to raise awareness of the need for an appropriate framework for the management of naturally radioactive activities and residues.

Overall, BRIN’s commitment to continuous uranium research and the safe management of natural radioactive material residues underscores the importance of sustainable practices and collaboration in the field of nuclear technology.

uram-2023

Sting collaborations among stakeholders involved in uranium production and NORM management.

The article highlights the commitment of BRIN, along with the State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to raise awareness about the importance of managing activities and residues related to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM). The workshop held in Yogyakarta focused on the significance of continuous uranium research and the safe management of residues containing natural radioactive materials.

Syaiful Bakhri, the Head of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technology Research Center and the National Agency for Radioactive Waste, emphasized the crucial role of research in deepening our understanding of uranium production and NORM management. He stressed that research leads to innovation, best practices, and collaboration opportunities, which can benefit industry stakeholders and policymakers.

The demands of member countries for safe and sustainable uranium production and NORM residue management align with the broader goal of achieving a nuclear energy renaissance. As the world addresses the challenges posed by climate change and strives to achieve net-zero emissions, the importance of safe and sustainable practices in uranium production becomes even more significant.

BRIN aims to contribute to meeting these demands by sharing insights and knowledge gained during the workshop. The dissemination of knowledge, experience, and best practices will enhance understanding, expertise, networking, and lasting collaborations among stakeholders involved in uranium production and NORM management.

In conclusion, BRIN is emphasizing the significance of continuous research and development in the sustainable production of uranium and the safe management of residues containing natural radioactive materials. Through workshops and collaborations, they aim to raise awareness, share knowledge, and promote safe and sustainable practices in uranium production and NORM residue management.