In the Jogorku Kenesh, a bill has been introduced to allow the development of uranium and thorium deposits. The project to amend certain legislative acts and repeal the Law "On Prohibition of Activities Related to Geological Exploration of Subsoil for the Purpose of Search, Exploration, and Development of Uranium and Thorium Deposits in the Kyrgyz Republic" was initiated by the Cabinet of Ministers.
In late February, President Sadyr Japarov commented on the project to develop the Kyzyl-Ompol uranium deposit. He urged not to be afraid when it comes to uranium, emphasizing the importance of understanding the types of uranium and at what level it becomes dangerous.
"Our uranium is raw material and is not dangerous in its natural state. The concern should be enriched uranium intended for specific purposes, as it poses a threat. However, caution should be exercised, and statements claiming that our uranium is completely harmless should be refrained from. After its separation, storage, and transportation, we must be very careful. Specialists should exercise maximum vigilance in this matter," said the head of state.
It is worth mentioning that in the spring of 2019, Kyrgyzstan was rocked by a wave of protests against the project to develop the Tash-Bulak uranium deposit in the Issyk-Kul region. The outcome of numerous protest actions was the revocation of the uranium mining license. Later, a law was passed in the republic prohibiting the exploration and development of uranium and thorium deposits.
