Natural Analogues

The Natural Analogues Working Group (NAWG) is a collaborative initiative formed by professionals involved in national waste management programs, dedicated to enhancing understanding of long-term material behavior in geological waste repositories. NAWG explores natural analogues—instances where materials or processes reflect those anticipated in proposed waste disposal sites. Their research encompasses various components crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of radioactive waste disposal, such as bentonite performance, cementitious materials, and radionuclide migration studies.

Offering educational resources and forums, NAWG organizes annual workshops that convene experts to discuss findings, share advancements, and address challenges in the usage of natural analogues. Notable workshops, like NAWG-18 in Manchester, UK, highlight recent developments in safety cases and stakeholder communication strategies. Additionally, NAWG provides a rich library of publications and research materials, fostering a deeper understanding of both archaeological and anthropogenic influences on waste management practices. Through these initiatives, NAWG plays a vital role in advancing methodologies for radioactive waste safety and long-term environmental protection.