MINERAL Resources Authority (MRA), the Department of Mineral Policy & Geo-hazards Management (DMPGM) and the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) have started initial discussions on a proposal that may see the establishment of a radioactive radiation monitoring facility at Pacific Adventist University (PAU).
The function of the facility when established will be to gather baseline data on ambient levels of background radiation in attempts to monitor possible fallout from anthroponegic as well as natural sources of radiation.
The Minister for Mining, John Pundari on Monday, presented a cheque of K61,720 to PAU to begin initial works on the establishment of the facility.
The Minister acknowledged that mining operations in the country use radiation sources within the industry and that as a regulator for the mining industry, it was incumbent on the Government to support institutions such as the PAU in their efforts to provide a valuable service.
PAU Dean of the School of Science & Technology Professor Rodger Jones, said the idea and the realization of the need to set up such a facility came about as a result of the unfortunate and tragic incident at Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan after an earthquake where there has been radiation contamination of surrounding environment, putting lives and property at risk.
He said the facility will provide research capacity in the field of radioactivity and permit the measurement of radioactive contamination.