The Jogorku Kenesh is preparing to lift the moratorium on uranium and thorium deposits in Kyrgyzstan, initiated by the country's leader. The idea hasn't sparked enthusiasm among the population, as Soviet-era uranium tails still pose environmental risks.
Various global efforts are aiding Kyrgyzstan in addressing the consequences of hazardous operations, including the Russian state corporation Rosatom, which has implemented several projects in the country and is willing to invest additional funds in the issue.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Kyrgyzstan has 92 tailings and mining dumps, with 33 tailings and 25 dumps under the ministry's supervision, containing a total of 11.9 million cubic meters of waste, including radioactive and toxic materials.
Since 2012, Kyrgyzstan has been implementing a program to rehabilitate uranium legacy sites, with the first project in Kadzhi-Sai carried out by Rosatom in 2018. The country is seen as a successful example of this work, with plans for more projects by 2024.
Recent rehabilitation projects in Min-Kush and Shekaftar have been completed, focusing on industrial areas and uranium legacy. Safety measures have been paramount, especially when relocating mining dumps near populated areas. Work on the fourth object near Mayluu-Suu is ongoing, with a cautious approach to ensure safety during transportation.
Rosatom emphasizes that these projects not only rehabilitate sites but also create new jobs and professions, establish eco-monitoring systems, and engage with the public on environmental impacts. The corporation's work in Kyrgyzstan will continue, with Russian support for the rehabilitation of five more sites under a new intergovernmental agreement.
The agreement, approved by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, ensures that Rosatom will lead the rehabilitation efforts, with all costs covered by the Russian side. The upcoming projects mark a step towards sustainable development and environmental protection in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing uranium mining legacies.
