The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) identified 12 industries affected by NORM withfacilities and activities that need to be considered under the IAEAs revised Basic Safety Standards (BSS): mining and processing of uranium ore,rare earths extraction,thorium extraction and use,niobium extraction,non-uranium mines,oil and gas,phosphate industry,zircon and zirconia,titanium dioxide pigment production,metals production (Sn,Cu,Al,Fe,Zn,Pb),coal combustion,and water treatment.Of those 12 industries,all have been practiced in the USA,some are still active,and some idled industries could be reactivated.The phosphate industry is unique in that it not only represents one of the 12 primary industries,but is also under consideration as a source for co-extraction of 3 0ther primary products on the list: uranium,rare earths,and thorium.As an industry of significant global importance in food security as well as energy security,a consistent and coherent regulatory approach to NORM applied to the comprehensive extraction of resources is vital to the sustainability of mining and processing of phosphate rock.Moreover,the risk to workers and the public exposed to NORM as a consequence of processing and use or disposal of co-products and residuals must be weighed against the risk of creating critical materials shortages through the inappropriate application of regulatory controls.In such cases,an evidence based approach to risk management should be incorporated into a long-term strategic resource management plan.