Central Asia has been a key source of uranium for the Soviet Union for over half a century. In this region, not only was ore mined, but raw materials from other countries were processed, leading to the formation of large volumes of radioactive waste stored in dumps and tailings. Despite the closure of most mines by 1995, reclamation work was not carried out, creating a threat to the ecology and health of the local population, particularly concerning the pollution of water bodies in significant agricultural areas.
Since 2012, the IAEA's Coordination Group on Uranium Legacy (CGUL) has actively supported Central Asia by providing recommendations, organizing expert missions, and helping to develop regulatory frameworks. In 2017, the first Strategic Master Plan was developed with the involvement of the IAEA, the European Commission, and the EBRD, which identified seven key sites for rehabilitation: Mailuu-Suu, Min-Kush, and Shekaftar in Kyrgyzstan; Degmai and Istiklol in Tajikistan; and Charkesar and Yangiyabad in Uzbekistan, with an initial project cost of about 85 million euros.
Recently, an updated strategic plan was presented in Tashkent, focusing on the long-term management of restored lands. It includes monitoring, maintenance, and active engagement with stakeholders. "This plan continues our collaboration since 2017 aimed at strengthening resources for the safe management of restored sites, in line with IAEA safety standards," noted Hildegard Vandenhove, Director of the IAEA's Division of Radiation, Transport, and Waste Safety.
According to agency representatives, the main goal of the updated plan is to demonstrate to the international community a sustainable and collective approach to the rehabilitation of uranium sites in Central Asia, gathering information on current projects and necessary actions. This approach helps avoid duplication of efforts, highlights progress, and emphasizes the lack of funding that requires further international solidarity. The total cost of the rehabilitation program in the new plan is 113 million euros, including costs for work and project management.
Since 2017, significant results have been achieved: four of the seven priority sites have already been fully rehabilitated – two each in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, allowing local residents to use these lands. Work continues on the fifth site in Kyrgyzstan, where rehabilitation is expected to be completed by 2032. In Tajikistan, one site has been partially restored, while work has not yet begun on another.
The updated plan also includes lower-priority sites that require rehabilitation but pose lesser risks. The Russian Federation has confirmed targeted funding: 21.4 million euros for the rehabilitation of Kadji-Say, Tuya-Muyun, and Kyzyl-Djar under a bilateral agreement with Kyrgyzstan, as well as 15.6 million euros for the restoration of Adrasman and enrichment plant No. 3 in Tajikistan.
Sardorbek Yakubekov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Industrial, Radiation, and Nuclear Safety of Uzbekistan, emphasized at the signing ceremony: "The work of the IAEA's Coordination Group on Uranium Legacy is a vivid example of how the joint efforts of the international community can lead to significant and lasting results in protecting people and the environment."
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