(1) A person shall not conduct an extraction, mining or processing operation that involves any material that could pose a health and safety risk from exposure to ionizing radiation, including

(a) any exploration activity that involves a possible exposure to radiation;

(b) the removal of uranium or thorium from the site for testing or valuation, unless exempted by the Authority;

(c) excavation activities at a site, and a test mine, for evaluation or delineation of the ore body;

(d) extraction activities that may enhance the concentration of naturally occurring radioactive material;

(e) the siting, construction or operation of a mine or processing  facility;

(f) the transport of the product of mining or milling activities;

(g) the decommissioning or closure of a mine or processing facility; and

(h) radioactive waste management unless the person is authorized by the Authority.

(2) The Minerals Commission shall ensure that persons authorized under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) to engage in any of the activities listed under subsection (1) are authorized in accordance with this Act before commencing operation.

(3) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than one thousand penalty units and not more than two thousand five hundred penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than four years and not more than five years or to both the fine and the term of imprisonment.