Tajikistan seeks aid to clean up former uranium sites
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Tajikistan presented its plans for cleaning up land contaminated by past uranium mining and processing to representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international partners in Vienna.
Government officials, including Aziz Nazar, Deputy Minister of Industry and New Technologies, detailed the country’s progress and future priorities for rehabilitating these sites.
Ilhom Mirsaidzoda, Director of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety and Security Agency (CBRN SSA), explained that Tajikistan has improved its oversight of the cleanup process with new licensing procedures and monitoring systems. The meeting focused on the ongoing need to reduce radiological risks, protect water resources, and monitor previously remediated areas. Participants noted that the Istiqlol and Dehmoy sites require continued attention due to their potential environmental and health impacts.
Bakhtiyar Barotzoda, Director of the Scientific and Technical Support Organization of the CBRN SSA, described the research underway to assess and monitor contaminated land. Tajikistan is currently implementing its second State Program for 2025 to 2030 to address the consequences of uranium mining and is requesting additional financial and technical assistance from international organizations like the IAEA, the European Commission, and Russia.
Representatives from these groups, including Edgar Carvalho of the IAEA and Marina Belyayeva of Rosatom State Corporation, discussed their current support and future collaboration opportunities. The country aims to create safely managed territories from areas previously impacted by uranium production through ongoing national work and international partnerships.
