Assessment of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material Using Gamma Spectrometry: Coal Mining and Processing in the Hwange Mining Area, Zimbabwe

The Hwange Mining Area (HMA) is located in the Mid-Zambezi Karoo Basin in northwestern Zimbabwe, is a major centre for coal mining, processing and power generation. This study evaluates the ecological and public health risks associated with these activities, focusing on radionuclide con-centrations in coal and surrounding soils. Samples were collected from four locations: (i) Hwange Colliery Company (underground and open cast mines), (1) Zambezi Gas open cast operations, (iii) Residential areas and (iv) Hwange Thermal Power station. Radionuclide concentrations were measured using Hyper-Pure Germanium (HPGe) gamma spec-trometry. Results showed lower concentrations in mining areas compared to elevated levels in resi-dential and combustion environments. Radiological hazard indices, including radium equivalent (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex) and internal hazard index (Hin) values remained below recom-mended safety limits, indicating no immediate radiological risk. However, the absorbed dose rates, annual effective doses and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were higher in residential and combustion areas, with ELCR values exceeding the global average. These findings suggest a potential long-term public health risk associated with chronic exposure. The study underscores the need for continuous environmental monitoring strengthened regulatory control, targeted radiation protection strategies to safeguard workers and nearby communities.