Radiological Assessment of the Min-Kush Uranium Tailing Dump and the Specifics of Its Rehabilitation

Authors

  • Bekmamat Djenbaev

    Institute of Biology, National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek 720071, Kyrgyz Republic
  • Zinagul Dzhamanbayeva

    Institute of Biology, National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek 720071, Kyrgyz Republic
  • Mairambek Raimzhanov

    LLC "ERN-Stroy", Bishkek 720040, Kyrgyz Republic
  • Baktiyar Zholboldiev

    Institute of Biology, National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek 720071, Kyrgyz Republic
  • Amantur Myrzabaev

    LLC "ERN-Stroy", Bishkek 720040, Kyrgyz Republic
  • Talant Dzhumaliev

    Institute of Biology, National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek 720071, Kyrgyz Republic

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i5.10587
Received: 19 June 2025 | Revised: 25 June 2025 | Accepted: 1 July 2025 | Published Online: 13 November 2025

Abstract

This study examines the current radioecological condition of the former uranium production site in the village of Min-Kush, Kyrgyzstan, which was one of the largest uranium mining centers in the Soviet Union. From 1946 to 1970, Kyrgyzstan served as the primary uranium-producing republic of the USSR, leaving behind a vast legacy of radioactive waste. Inefficient mining and ore processing during this period resulted in the accumulation of approximately 7.5 × 10⁸ m³ of radioactive residues stored in tailings and spoil heaps distributed across the country. One of the key facilities associated with this legacy is the Kara-Balta Mining Plant (KGRK), which remains the largest uranium-processing enterprise in Central Asia. This article presents the findings of a comprehensive radioecological assessment conducted in Min-Kush, including former production sites, mining shafts, industrial infrastructure, and adjacent territories. The study was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) using the ERICA Tool 2 software for environmental risk assessment. The methodology included field sampling, radiometric measurements, site mapping, and data analysis to evaluate residual contamination levels and their ecological impact. The results show that all major contaminated sites, including industrial buildings and surrounding lands, have been remediated in accordance with international environmental and radiation safety standards. Post-rehabilitation monitoring confirms that radiation levels have been reduced to natural background values. This case study of Min-Kush provides an important example of successful reclamation of former uranium production areas and serves as a reference for future environmental restoration projects in post-Soviet regions.

Keywords:

Radionuclides; Uranium; Waste Dump; Tailings Storage Facilities; Soil; Water; Bottom Sediments; Rocks

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How to Cite

Djenbaev, B., Dzhamanbayeva, Z., Raimzhanov, M., Zholboldiev, B., Myrzabaev, A., & Dzhumaliev, T. (2025). Radiological Assessment of the Min-Kush Uranium Tailing Dump and the Specifics of Its Rehabilitation. Research in Ecology, 7(5), 59–75. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i5.10587

Issue

Vol.7, Iss.5 (December 2025)(in progress)

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Article

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Copyright © 2025 Bekmamat Djenbaev, Zinagul Dzhamanbayeva, Mairambek Raimzhanov, Baktiyar Zholboldiev, Amantur Myrzabaev, Talant Dzhumaliev

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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