Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding uranium and radiation
Straightforward answers to the questions we are asked most often about uranium, natural background radiation and radioactivity.
Questions, clearly answered
Mantra Tanzania Limited owns the Mkuju River Uranium Project in Southern Tanzania. We believe an informed community is a stronger partner, so we share clear, factual information about the resource we develop and the science behind it.
Uranium is the most commonly found naturally occurring radioactive isotope in nature. In its natural form it is a slightly radioactive element, which has been around since the formation of the earth 4.5 billion years ago. It is found in the earth's crust — in soil and rock, as well as in groundwater and seawater. One and a half square kilometres of earth, 30 cm deep, contains about two tonnes of uranium. It is found everywhere in varying concentrations.
Everyone in the world is exposed to radiation on a daily basis. This type of radiation is called natural background radiation.
Alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays can harm a living cell by breaking its chemical bonds at random, disrupting the cell's genetic instructions. Outside the body, alpha emitters are the least harmful, and gamma emitters are more dangerous than beta emitters. Inside the body, however, alpha emitters are the most dangerous — about 20 times more damaging than beta emitters or gamma emitters. Thus, although alpha radiation cannot penetrate through a sheet of paper or a dead layer of skin, alpha emitters are extremely hazardous when taken into the body by inhalation or ingestion, or through a cut or open sore. It should be noted, however, that exposure to low radioactivity will not necessarily lead to any radiation-related illness. Several possible health effects are associated with human exposure to radiation from uranium.
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Our team is happy to provide more information about the Mkuju River Uranium Project and how we operate.