Uranium Legacy of the USSR: IAEA Approves Cleanup Plan for Central Asia
This plan covers countries in the region such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and involves active cooperation with international financial institutions and specialized organizations. The main objective of the document is the phased cleanup and restoration of lands affected by uranium mining during the Soviet period.
The total cost of this program is approximately 113 million euros. This amount includes expenses for construction and engineering works, project management, a contingency reserve, as well as additional costs for programs. These calculations are based on existing contracts and current estimates.
It is important to note that the new strategy also addresses sites with low levels of environmental and socio-economic risk, which were previously not considered a priority. As part of bilateral agreements, Russia is allocating 21.4 million euros for the reclamation of such sites in Kyrgyzstan and 15.6 million euros for similar work in Tajikistan.
According to IAEA representatives, the implementation of this plan will help avoid project duplication, increase the transparency of the work being carried out, and attract additional international support for the completion of uranium waste cleanup in the region.
Related materials:
