Remediation works at the former uranium legacy sites in Shekaftar and Min-Kush in the Kyrgyz Republic have been successfully completed. Press service of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) reported.
The activity was completed on schedule and below the projected budget despite difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Both sites were certified and accepted by the Kyrgyz authorities in December 2021 and February 2022 respectively, the bank said.
«The remediation works on site included the closure of mine openings, the removal of waste-rock dumps and the demolition and disposal of mining facilities. Following the completion of remediation works in Shekaftar, locals received new areas for private, communal and business use. The demolition of the former ore-processing plant in Min-Kush facilitated the creation of clean, flat surfaces, which can now be used for community purposes, including a venue for traditional nomad sports,» EBRD reported.
It was reported in 2019 that the EBRD would provide a €5.7 million grant to Kyrgyzstan to remediate uranium tailings in Min-Kush and Shekaftar settlements, with work scheduled to begin in 2020.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, there are a total of 92 burial sites of toxic and radioactive waste in Kyrgyzstan. 36 of them are located in Mailuu-Suu. At the same time, 23 tailings contain uranium elements, and the remaining ones contain the remains of a number of radioactive rocks, heavy metals and cyanide. The total volume of toxic and hazardous substances is 2.9 million cubic meters.
