Remediation of uranium mining legacies in Kyrgyzstan

After the successful remediation of the former uranium ore deposits Shekaftar and Min-Kush in Kyrgyzstan, preparations for the remediation of the former Kyrgyz uranium mining and processing complex Mailuu-Suu in the southwestern part of the country started in April 2022. G.E.O.S. leads the Project Management Unit and manages all remediation works.

The former uranium mining site Mailuu-Suu includes disused mining facilities such as shafts and adits, partially contaminated building complexes and a large number of tailings piles and sludge ponds with residues from uranium processing. The site is prone to earthquakes and several objects are located in the impact area of landslides and flooding zones.

With the signing of the project agreements between the Kyrgyz government, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic and G.E.O.S., the site will undergo extensive remediation. The aim of the rehabilitation is a guaranteed long-term stabilisation of risky objects. The renovated areas will be made available to the residents for subsequent use.

G.E.O.S. already conducted an analysis of the current conditions and a risk assessment for the area in 2017 to 2020 after extensive investigations and environmental assessments. In cooperation with the Ministry of Disaster Management of Kyrgyzstan, a strategy for the remediation of the site was then defined and planning documents for the remediation of the sub-properties were drawn up.

The implementation planning for the remediation work was prepared by experts from the Chemnitz G.E.O.S. branch WISUTEC together with specialist planners from Kyrgyzstan and submitted to the approval authorities in Kyrgyzstan. After submission of the permits, it is planned to start the international tender in May 2023. The award of the construction contract and the start of rehabilitation are planned for August/September 2023. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2029. G.E.O.S. is regularly on site with its own engineers and is responsible for construction preparatory works, execution planning and construction supervision of the work on site.

The entire rehabilitation project is part of a programme financed by the EBRD for the remediation of the legacy of uranium mining of the former Soviet Union on the territory of the countries Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The rehabilitation is financed by the EBRD.

G.E.O.S. Services

• Organisation and management of the Project Management Unit, project control
• Preparation and management of international tenders for construction services, function of a "Procurement Expert"
• Construction supervision, contract and cost control
• Supervision of occupational health and safety, environmental protection and radiation protection
• Stakeholder management