Workshop Day: 21 October 2025
Conference: 22-23 October 2025
Houston, TX, USA
Day Two - Main Conference
Though transport is a very minor cost in the NORM waste cycle, lack of harmonization and over-regulation creates problems for transport of all NORM materials between countries and states. Raising the awareness of this issue with both industry and the public, while keeping potential risks in context, is an important part of any NORM transport strategy. This panel will help industry understand and strive to comply with international, national and local regulations governing the safe and secure transport of radioactive materials, since inappropriately shipped materials can have a negative impact on our industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding guidelines and maintaining communication with relevant authorities and international agencies
- Things to consider making NORM transport economically feasible and sustainable
- If disposal facility is not in your state, what are the ways of packaging, transport, threshold limit and guidelines to follow?
- Skills & training required for industry to manage transport
- Current tools and future technology for safe and secure transport
As one of the nation's leading oil and gas producers, Texas faces unique challenges in addressing NORM waste generated during exploration, production, processing, and decommissioning activities. Attendees will gain detailed insights into state-specific decontamination methodologies, treatment technologies, and disposal pathways available.
Ket Takeaways:
- Licensing procedure for NORM generators
- Understand the treatment, packaging, transportation, and disposal of NORM/TENORM waste in Texas.
- Decommissioning and the transportation of NORM and TENORM
- Disposal pathways and facilities in Texas
The use of artificial intelligence is likely to boost the naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) disposal & waste management market. AI's superior predictive analytics tools have enhanced the efficiency and safety of these processes, contributing to environmental sustainability. This technology has also introduced predictive modeling and facilitating the optimization of disposal strategies and improving resource management. Furthermore, AI's automation features have streamlined operational processes, increasing overall efficiency.
The disposal of NORM mining wastes is a critical challenge for the mining industry, requiring robust strategies to ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance. This session will explore the latest advancements in the treatment and disposal of NORM wastes, focusing on innovative technologies and best practices. Drawing from recent industry papers and market insights, the session will provide a comprehensive overview of the methodologies employed to manage NORM wastes, including immobilisation techniques, specialised landfill sites, and the integration of sustainable practices.
Key Takeaways
- Evolution of NORM mining waste disposal practices
- Risk assessment and management strategies
- Smart monitoring and tracking systems
- Case studies of successful waste management programs
- Environmental protection measures
The reuse of radionuclide materials presents a promising avenue for sustainable waste management, offering potential benefits for both environmental protection and economic efficiency. This session explores innovative approaches and successful case studies in the beneficial reuse of NORM residues, with a particular focus on phosphogypsum and other NORM-containing materials.
The discussion will examine how industries are transforming traditional waste management paradigms into circular economy opportunities while ensuring regulatory compliance and stakeholder acceptance. Key industry examples, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies that enable safe and economically viable reuse options will be presented.
Key takeaways:
- Circular economy applications like phosphogypsum utilisation
- Reclassification of NORM waste as resources and compliance requirements for reuse
- Technical considerations for recycling and aspects for commercialising the NORM residues
The session will host 6 roundtables with unique discussion topics. An industry moderator will be appointed on the day to facilitate each session, and attendees can join one session only. Discussions will run for 30 minutes, and the findings of the discussion will be summarised and presented by each moderator. Registration is free and will happen during the morning registration.