Kazakhstan currently holds over 290 million cubic meters of radioactive waste. This was reported by Deputy Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency, Gumar Sergazin, according to Tengrinews.

On November 11, a draft law concerning the management of radioactive waste was presented. During the discussion, Sergazin shared urgent figures.

"At present, approximately 293 million cubic meters of radioactive waste are located in Kazakhstan, with the largest share — 290 million cubic meters — consisting of low-level radioactive waste. Of this, 237 cubic meters are associated with the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, which includes contaminated soil removed from the area. The remaining radioactive waste — of medium and high activity — originates from the National Nuclear Center, the Institute of Nuclear Physics, the Ulba Metallurgical Plant, and the Stepnogorsk Mining and Chemical Complex. In Aktau, the Kochkor-Ata and Chemical-Hydrometallurgical Plant are also among the sources," said Gumar Sergazin.

It was noted that the draft law includes the establishment of a national operator to manage all relationships concerning radioactive waste.

"As we observe, even globally, the implementation of waste disposal sites remains very limited. Only a few countries possess such facilities. The draft law envisions the creation of burial sites, which will be designated by government decree. The national operator will be responsible for constructing and ensuring radiation safety at these sites, and for tracking, reporting, and maintaining a registry of all radioactive waste," added Sergazin.

For reference: radioactive waste is material containing radioactive isotopes that are no longer useful and pose a risk to health and the environment. These wastes result from the operation of nuclear power plants, nuclear fuel reprocessing, and are also generated in scientific, medical, and industrial activities.