ARAO successfully exports Ra-226 to Canada
Slovenia once used radioactive sources with Ra-226 (hereinafter referred to as radium), is within the framework The Global Radium-226 Management Initiative, run by the International Atomic Energy Agency (angl. IAEA), exported 730 mg of radium to Canada for recycling. The export will contribute to the development of targeted alpha therapy for the treatment of cancer, the export decreased the amount of stored radioactive waste and the overall activity of radioactive waste in the Central Storage Facility. Through this activity, we have thus achieved environmental and economic benefits and supported progress in medical science.
The Agency for Radioactive Waste (ARAO) collaborated with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories.. The process involved repackaging Ra into certified capsules, transportation and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The operation was carried out according to precisely defined steps, including the preparation of documentation, obtaining permits, preparing the work space and equipment, and ensuring protection against radiation.
Radioactive sources play an important role in industry, medicine and various research fields. When their use is no longer possible or reasonable, they become radioactive waste. In order to reduce their impact on the environment and ensure safety, proper handling is extremely important, including reuse, recycling or disposal. From 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency is thus coordinating an activity focused on radium recycling, called The Global Radium-226 Management Initiative. As part of this initiative, a platform was established for the exchange of information between Member States holding radium stockpiles and Member States having recycling facilities. Some member states (USA, Canada, Japan, Russia, etc.) have expressed interest in accepting radium for recycling and ARAO has joined this initiative. Several potential recipients approached ARAO, leading to an agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. After one year of preparations, the goal was achieved. Slovenia exported Ra to Canada in July 2024. The amount was 730 miligrams.. Some space was freed up in the storage, and the activity of stored radioactive waste decreased by 27 GBq.
The project team consisted of 11 members, among whom were radioactive waste management experts and radiation sources experts, transportation of dangerous goods of class 7 experts and experts in physics, radiation protection, logistics, physical protection of nuclear facilities, safety and health at work, and fire safety .
The project was carried out with high safety standards, as evidenced by the low radiation exposure of workers and the successful fulfillment of all safety measures. In the future, similar handling of radioactive sources will contribute to further safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability.