Managing Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) remains a significant challenge for many countries worldwide. While considerable progress has been made in assessing radiation exposure, detecting natural radionuclides, characterizing materials, estimating risks, and establishing regulatory frameworks, these efforts often lack alignment with national policies and strategic planning. A comprehensive inventory of NORM-related facilities and waste streams is still missing in many regions, hindering effective decision-making.

Critical infrastructure gaps persist—particularly in the availability of disposal routes for NORM waste, cost assessments for various management options, and laboratory capabilities for radionuclide analysis supported by standardized sampling protocols.

Yet, within these challenges lie powerful opportunities. In the context of sustainability, many NORM waste streams could be reclassified as residues, by-products, or even co-products with potential for beneficial use. This shift in perspective—from liability to asset—can catalyse a transition from a linear to a circular economy model. The traditional "take–make–dispose" approach is no longer viable, as it leads to the accumulation of materials that may pose greater risks than their reuse or repurposing.

The decommissioning of NORM-related facilities, particularly offshore oil and gas platforms, is expected to place additional pressure on national systems. However, with proactive dialogue among stakeholders and a commitment to innovation, these pressures can be transformed into collaborative opportunities.

The presentation will promote the idea of the creation of a platform to explore sustainable, safe, and forward-looking solutions for NORM management highlighting the importance of international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships between countries with varying levels of experience where challenges become catalysts for innovation and sustainability.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

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