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safely during the year. Monazite up-gradation plants at within the regulatory limit. The facility has adequate
IREL Orissa Sand Complex (OSCOM), Manavalakurichi space for storage of monazite enriched tailings for next
and Chavara were operational. Monazite Processing 5 years. Based on satisfactory review, AERB renewed
Plant (MoPP) at IREL OSCOM, Chatrapur were in the licence for operation of M/s Kerala Minerals and
operation. Metals Limited (KMML), Chavara, Kerala up to August
31, 2024.
(a) Renewal of Licences for Operation of Beach
Sand Minerals (BSM) Facilities (iii) Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) & Zirconium
Complex (ZC)
The licences for operation of Beach Sand Minerals
(BSM) Facilities at IREL, Manavalakurichi (MK), All the plants of NFC, Hyderabad and ZC,
Chavara and OSCOM issued under the Atomic Energy Pazhayakayal operated safely during the year.
Act, 1962 (and rules framed thereunder) were valid up
to August 19, 2019. Safety review indicated that during (a) Capacity Enhancement of Zirconium Complex
the licence period, the operational & radiological status (ZC), Pazhayakayal
of these facilities was satisfactory. No significant variation Licence for operation issued under the Factories
was observed in the background radiation level and Act, 1948 of Zirconium Complex (ZC), Pazhayakayal
air activity. Average individual dose to the radiation to produce 250 MT of Zirconium Sponge per year is
workers was well within the AERB prescribed limit. valid up to June 30, 2021. AERB had reviewed the
Based on satisfactory review, AERB renewed the licence application from ZC, Pazhayakayal for enhancement
for operation of BSM facilities at IREL, Manavalakurichi of Zirconium Sponge production capacity from 250
(MK), Chavara and OSCOM under the Atomic Energy MT to 300 MT per year. Safety review indicated that
Act, 1962 (and rules framed thereunder) up to August enhancement in sponge production capacity would be
31, 2024. achieved by process modifications and improvement in
recovery of the product. Based on review, AERB permitted
(b) Renewal of Licence for Operation of M/s for enhancement in sponge production capacity at ZC,
KMML, Chavara Pazhayakayal from 250 MT to 300 MT per year.

The licence for operation of M/s Kerala Minerals (iv) Heavy Water Plants (HWP)
and Metals Limited (KMML), Chavara, Kerala under the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (and rules framed thereunder) Heavy water plants at Kota, Manuguru, Hazira and
was valid up to August 19, 2019. Safety review Thal were operational, whereas HWPs at Baroda, Tuticorin
indicated that during the licence period, the operational and Talcher were non-operational due to unavailability of
& radiological status of this facility was satisfactory. The feed synthesis gas from fertilizer plant. Presently, HWP-
average individual dose of the mine workers were well Baroda is engaged in production of potassium metal,

SARCOP Members’ Visit to IREL, OSCOM

20 AERB Annual Report 2019