The new plan emphasizes that a significant portion of the uranium legacy left over from the Soviet era is located in Kyrgyzstan. These sites are situated in mountainous and seismically active areas, often near rivers and populated areas. The IAEA stresses that the lack of a systematic approach to reclamation makes the release of radioactive and toxic substances a matter of time rather than probability.
According to agency information, uranium has been mined in Kyrgyzstan since the mid-1940s, and after the collapse of the USSR, many tailings and mines were left without proper oversight. In recent years, the republic has demonstrated significant progress in this area.
Reclamation work has been completed at sites in Min-Kush and Shekafatar, and is actively ongoing in Mailuu-Suu since August 2023. According to the IAEA plan, this work is expected to be completed by 2032.
The total cost of the uranium site cleanup program in Central Asia is 113 million euros.
By 2025, 71.8 million euros have been raised, of which 61.5 million was provided by the European Union. However, there remains a shortfall of 43 million euros, and without addressing this deficit, the completion of all priority projects is at risk. The document emphasizes that Kyrgyzstan lacks sufficient domestic resources to fully resolve the issue, and international support remains critically important.
The new plan pays special attention to sites that were previously not considered a priority. These include Kadji-Sai, Tuya-Moyun, and Kyzyl-Djar. Their reclamation will be carried out under a bilateral agreement with Russia, with approved funding of 21.4 million euros. These projects will commence after the completion of work at the main priority sites.
The IAEA notes that reclamation is only part of the overall task.
After the completion of construction and engineering works, Kyrgyzstan will need to ensure radiation and environmental monitoring for decades, as well as oversee the safety of the reclaimed areas.
Thus, the new strategic plan reinforces Kyrgyzstan's status as one of the key countries in the region in the context of uranium legacy, the resolution of which depends on international cooperation and long-term state responsibility.
