Share :

Download PDF :

The Times of Central Asia (17 January 2020)

Kyrgyzstan has banned the development of uranium and thorium deposits, as well as import of uranium-containing raw materials.

Since the beginning of 2020, the relevant law has entered into force.

Disputes over the anti-uranium bill, as well as the scandal over the development of the Kyzyl-Ompol uranium deposit in the Issyk-Kul province by YurAsia in Kyrgyzstan LLC was among the most striking events of 2019.

Background

Last year, a group of MPs drafted a bill banning the development of uranium and thorium deposits in Kyrgyzstan. According to the bill authors, the document was developed due to the demands of the population.

Residents of Kok-Moinok village in the Ton district of the Issyk-Kul province were against the development of uranium deposits located in their territory. The YurAsia in Kyrgyzstan LLC conducted exploration works at the Kyzyl-Ompol uranium field.

The locals feared the negative effects of uranium mining on the environment, as well as agriculture and tourism business.

At the meetings with local residents, the company’s representatives and independent experts repeatedly explained that uranium mining at Kyzyl-Ompol does not pose a threat to the environment and people’s health due to the safest technology, not involving the use of chemicals, explosions and tailings that pollute the environment. Extracted uranium in sand should be shipped in special containers by rail for processing at the Kara-Balta mining plant in the Chui province. As a result, the radiation background at the field and in its surroundings will decrease, the experts said.

The YurAsia in Kyrgyzstan LLC was registered in 2004 and received an exploration license in 2011. Later, the license was renewed several times by the State Committee for Industry, Energy and Subsoil Use. The company is among of the largest taxpayers in the Issyk-Kul province.

Please click to read the rest of the article