Tantalite and columbite ores have been reported as containing associated primordial radionuclides, such as uranium and thorium. Ethiopia is one of the world suppliers of tantalite ore through exploitation of Kenticha mine and tantalite production by a large number of artisanal miners. For the purpose of implementing the international standards for radiation protection of workers and members of the public, a preliminary assessment of radionuclides and radiation doses associated to tantalite mining was performed. Results confirmed and quantified the co-occurrence of uranium and thorium and their progeny in tantalite ore. Radiation doses at some workplaces may exceed the effective dose limit recommended by the international radiation safety standards for nonradiation workers and members of the public. Investments to be made in order to expand and modernize tantalite production in Ethiopia shall take into account the radiation hazards and implement a radiation protection program to prevent enhanced occupational radiation exposures and protect the public and the environment.

据报道，钽铁矿和铌铁矿含有相关的原始放射性核素，如铀和钍。埃塞俄比亚是世界钽铁矿供应国之一，大量手工矿工开采肯蒂查矿和生产钽铁矿。为实施工人和公众辐射防护国际标准，对钽铁矿开采相关的放射性核素和辐射剂量进行了初步评估。结果证实并量化了铀和钍及其后代在钽铁矿中的共存。某些工作场所的辐射剂量可能会超过国际辐射安全标准为非辐射工作人员和公众推​​荐的有效剂量限值。