Asian Journal of Geological Research

This study evaluated the background ionising radiation (BIR) levels of some selected solid mineral mining sites in Kogi State. The BIR measurements were taken using a well-calibrated radiation meter (Digilert 200), placed at an elevation of 1.0m above ground level, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine the geographical locations. Each measurement was repeated three times, with approximately 5-10 minutes spent at each measuring point. The mean exposure dose rates obtained were 0.027, 0.021, 0.055, 0.046, 0.024, 0.020, and 0.026 respectively, in mR/hr. The values are higher than the recommended safe limit of 0.013mR/h. The mean Absorbed Dose Rates obtained are 235.3, 186.4, 482.3, 272.8, 209.0, 178.4 and 225.1 respectively, in nGy/hr. The values are all higher than the recommended safe limit of 84.0nGy/hr. The mean values obtained for AEDE are 0.386, 0.306, 0.769, 0.485, 0.343, 0.293 and 0.370 respectively, in mSV/yr. The mean values obtained for ELCR are 1.35 x 10^-3, 1.07 x10^-3, 2.75 x10^-3, 1.57 x10^-3, 1.20 x10^-3, 1.02 x10^-3 and 1.29 x 10^-3 respectively. The values are higher than the ICRP standard of 0.29 x10^-3, indicating a detrimental cancer risk for residents of the study area. The results obtained from this research established significantly elevated radiation levels, indicating a possible increase in radiation-induced injuries and long-term cancer among inhabitants. The findings will contribute to baseline data on radiological safety, support risk assessment and the development of regulatory policies, and support a sustainable environmental monitoring structure for mining areas in Kogi State.