Natural radioactivity in lignite samples from open pit mines “Kolubara”, Serbia – risk assessment

• Activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in coal samples were determined.
• Effect on population health due to the activity of these radionuclides was estimated.
• All samples were collected at different locations of the open pit mines “Kolubara”.
• All measured and calculated values were below the recommended limits.
• There is no enhanced radiation hazard for population nearby open pit mines.

Coal as fossil fuel mainly contains naturally occurring radionuclides from the uranium and thorium series and 40K. Use of coal, primarily in industry, as a result has dispersion of radioactive material from coal in and through air and water. The aim of this study was to determine the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in coal samples from open pit mines “Kolubara” and to evaluate its effect on population health. The results showed that all measured and calculated values were below the limits recommended in international legislation.