The Kyrgyz Parliament approved a bill lifting the ban on uranium and thorium mining, with 69 votes in favour and three against. This legislative change is expected to generate important economic benefits. The ban was enacted in 2019 due to public concern over environmental risks and potential water contamination, leading to a complete prohibition of uranium and thorium mining across the country.
In the Issyk-Kul region, 150,000 cubic meters of radioactive waste accumulated from past uranium mining. The Ministry of Emergency Situations reports 92 burial sites and 23 tailing dumps containing uranium elements, with a total of 2.9 mn cubic meters of hazardous substances in Kyrgyzstan.
The new bill emphasizes the need for alternative revenue sources due to recent economic challenges. It mandates strict compliance with environmental standards in mining operations.
Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Technical Supervision, Melis Turganbayev, stated that the legislation would not impact the environment or public health. Kyrgyzstan's uranium reserves are limited, with mining focused on associated metals such as titanomagnetite. These will be processed at the Kara-Balta Combine in Chui region. Thorium will be stored, and uranium will be sold internationally.
Deputy Iskhak Masaliyev, who voted against the bill, cited previous environmental concerns. The new law aims to manage hazardous waste more effectively.
Rozalia Jenchuraeva, a Doctor of Geological and Mineral Sciences, noted that the 2019 ban left hazardous materials near the surface. She supports the new legislation for addressing waste and creating jobs at the Kara-Balta Combine.
President Japarov, in a meeting with residents near the Kyzyl-Ompol deposit, stated that its development would create over 1,000 jobs and boost the local economy. The Kyzyl-Ompol deposit, identified in 1951, is among the few extensively explored areas for these minerals.
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