Behavior and environmental impacts of radionuclides during the hydrometallurgy of calcareous and argillaceous rocks, southwestern Sinai, Egypt

► Original rocks, leachates, residuals and concentrate were studied. ► Radionuclides concentrations were examined through different phases. ► Radionuclides are more leachable before than that after 226Ra series. ► Radiological hazards were compared with the international values. ► Cautions should be taken in considerations during mining process.