Participants at the Eleventh International Symposium on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM XI), held in October 2025 in Ghana in cooperation with the IAEA, explored evolving challenges and emerging opportunities for the safe management of NORM.
Naturally occurring radioactive material, found in rocks or sand and processed in industrial operations that contain only naturally occurring radionuclides, needs to be managed sustainably to protect the public, workers and the environment, agreed 240 experts from industry, regulatory bodies, professional societies and scientific communities at an international symposium on the topic.
“Interests, concerns and priorities in managing NORM vary between countries. We need to continue our joint efforts in addressing both common and diverse needs if we are to integrate safety and sustainability into industrial processes involving NORM,” said Hildegarde Vandenhove, Director of the IAEA Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety Division.
The participants observed global progress in establishing frameworks for the management of NORM, reflecting a growing commitment to safety and sustainability within regulatory processes, as well as persistent challenges such as policy enforcement, financing, capacity building and raising awareness. They also called for robust knowledge sharing mechanisms and training initiatives, particularly in developing regions.
“The IAEA will continue to play its role in providing guidance, training and practical examples to support Member States in all these aspects,” said Vandenhove.
Safety and Sustainability
Participants discussed the importance of inclusive dialogue with local communities and artisanal miners, which is vital for public acceptance and safer practices. They also stressed the need for long term commitments to reuse, recycle and safely dispose of NORM residues, essential to avoid new legacy sites that pose environmental, health and regulatory challenges, were also addressed.
Participants also exchanged views on sustainable strategies such as reusing NORM residues in industries like construction and agriculture, alongside radiation protection of workers and the public, for example by monitoring exposure to radon and thoron, as set out in IAEA safety standards on the protection of workers against exposure to radon.
“From the industry perspective the NORM symposium effectively promoted discussion of the critical radiological and regulatory aspects involved in the mining, processing, use and disposal of NORM material,” said Frank Harris, Chief Advisor Radiological Governance and Product Stewardship at Rio Tinto.
The conference was organized by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the Ghana Association for Radiation Protection, the African ALARA Network and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana. It focused on the theme ‘Broadening Optimization in Industrial Processes Involving NORM: A Focus on Sustainability in Extractive Industries.’
“Holding the Symposium for the first time in Sub-Saharan Africa was particularly meaningful. It has allowed us to gain deeper insights into the region’s priorities, challenges, and opportunities in NORM management, and to better understand how African perspectives can enrich global strategies.” said Marta Garcia-Talavera, Head of the Natural Radiation Section at Spain’s Nuclear Safety Council and Vice President of NORM XI.
A highlight of the event was the launch of the African Radon and NORM Association, which aims to to raise awareness, foster collaboration and strengthen capacity building across the continentfor the safe and sustainable use of Africa’s mineral wealth.
The symposium was co-sponsored by the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the International Radiation Protection Association, the European NORM Association and the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology of Ghana.
“As we look to the future, the evolution of NORM symposia must continue to reflect global realities — integrating scientific advancement with sustainability, circular economy principles, and social responsibility,” said Samuel Boakye Dampare, Director-General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and President of NORM XI.
NORM XII will be hosted by Malaysian government organizations along with the Malaysian Radiation Protection Association in 2028.
