Authors : Etornam Ann Mensah; Nelson Agbemava; Cyril Cyrus Arwui; Henry Lawluvi; Ernest Beinpuo; Kwame Appiah

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/57pwvdmb

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/26vnjcww

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar617

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Abstract : Radioactive sources are widely used in the mining industry for industrial process control, particularly in density gauges and analytical instruments. While these technologies provide significant operational benefits, they also introduce safety and security risks if the gauges and instruments get missing, stolen, or are improperly managed. International concern over the malicious use of radioactive material has increased attention to the security of sealed sources throughout their lifecycle. This study evaluates the security practices associated with radioactive sources used in Ghana’s mining industry. A field-based assessment was conducted across seventeen mining facilities using radiation detection equipment, facility inspections, structured questionnaires, and interviews with facility personnel. The findings indicate that although most facilities maintain source inventories and general physical protection arrangements, important gaps remain in nuclear security culture, emergency and contingency preparedness exercises, continuous personnel reliability measures, and documentation of source movement. These gaps could increase vulnerability to loss of regulatory control of radioactive material. The study highlights the need for strengthened regulatory oversight, improved security training, enhanced record management systems, and greater integration of nuclear security culture into mining operations. The findings provide practical insights for regulatory authorities and operators seeking to strengthen radioactive source security in industrial sectors.

Keywords : Radioactive Source Security; Nuclear Security; Mining Industry; Cs-137 Gauges; Regulatory Oversight; Ghana.

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