Abstract

• The main objective of this study was to analyze the elemental composition of three chosen samples, with a specific focus on extracting copper from a rock sample obtained from the Letpadaung copper mine. Additionally, the research investigated the potential health risks for mine workers and assessed radon concentrations in these mine samples using LR-115 Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs). The LR-115 type II detectors were employed to explore radon in various samples: coal from the Thitchauk coal mine, fly ash from the Tigyit power plant, and rock samples from the Letpadaung copper mine. The tracks observed through an optical microscope, confirmed the presence of radon as an alpha emitter in some samples. The annual effective radiation dose of each sample determined was 0.6531 mSv/y for fly ash sample and 0.4533 mSv/y for coal samples. However, all annual effective doses for the samples were below the international reference level of 3-10 mSv/y recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). It is crucial to inform individual working in power plants about the potential health risks associated with radon exposure. Moreover, elemental composition analysis using ED XRF data revealed the presence of various elements in the samples. Furthermore, copper extraction from the rock sample was carried out through a metal displacement reaction and electrolysis, resulting in a copper content of 2.07 %.