Class 7 Transport

When the need arises to transport ore, processed concentrates, or residues generated from the mining or processing of Rare Earth Elements, or any other commodities impacted by Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), it is essential to adhere to the stringent class 7 regulations. These regulations, established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are designed to ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the transportation process as well as the general public.

It is important to recognize that the project/the operator remains responsible, though a carrier typically handles the transport. Having a well-defined and specific transport concept available is therefore essential. To be compliant packages and freight containers require thoughtful transport preparation; this can be done manually, but if the volume is high, it may be beneficial to consider some level of automation.

The class 7 requirements are applicable across various modes of transport, which include road transportation, maritime shipping, rail and even air transport, as well as postal services for sending samples. This comprehensive framework addresses various safety aspects associated with the transport of NORM.

For materials classified as NORM—such as those containing Uranium, Thorium, and their decay products like Radium—safety measures primarily involve appropriate marking, labeling, and placarding of suitable packages and freight containers with specific warning symbols. In addition, the transport must be accompanied by specific shipping documents and adherence to a radiation protection program, response plan for potential emergencies etc. The exact requirements can vary significantly based on factors such as:

(1) The specific activity concentration (Bq/g) and/or total activity (Bq) of the material,
(2) The dose rate (µSv/h or mSv/h) associated with a package or freight container.

The stringent nature of these limits, as well as the effort necessary for radiological characterization can vary depending on whether a material is still considered "natural" (having undergone only physical processing) or if the natural isotopic composition has been disrupted through chemical or thermal processes.

If the activity levels are not sufficiently low to be exempted from class 7 requirements—often applicable to ores—NORM-containing materials such as processing concentrates typically fall under the following categories:

UN 2910: If this category applies, only basic marking is required, for materials that exhibit a dose rate below 5 µSv/h.
UN 2912: For materials with elevated activities or dose rates, this category requires more rigorous marking, labeling, and placarding.

Additionally, international transport of NORM must also align with the import and export regulations of individual countries. While some nations may only require a declaration of the contained radionuclides alongside basic information, others might necessitate verification that the receiving party possesses an appropriate safety license.

If you have any specific question, feel free to contact us.