Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The implementation of the project will reduce radiation and environmental risks for the population living in close proximity to former uranium facilities.

The Central Design and Technology Institute (JSC “CPTI,” part of Rosatom’s Fuel Division) has signed a contract to develop design and estimate documentation for the rehabilitation of two uranium legacy sites in Tajikistan’s Sughd Region: a tailings storage facility in the settlement of Adrasman and a waste dump of Workshop No. 3 at the “Taboshar” site near the city of Istiqlol.

The project will be carried out under the intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Tajikistan on cooperation in rehabilitating territories affected by uranium mining and processing operations.

The Adrasman tailings facility, located in mountainous terrain, covers 3.45 hectares, with a height of 22–25 meters and an estimated 400,000 tons of accumulated waste. The Workshop No. 3 waste dump spans around 3 hectares, and the project foresees the placement of contaminated structures from former industrial buildings and facilities there.

Rosatom specialists have already begun comprehensive engineering and radiological surveys, along with the preparation of project documentation. All project solutions will undergo state urban planning and environmental reviews in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan.

“The project will reduce radiation exposure risks, prevent further contamination of soil and water resources, and create conditions for the region’s socio-economic development. Our team already has successful experience implementing a similar project at the Taboshar site.

This expertise, accumulated by Russian and Tajik specialists in line with leading global practices, can serve as a foundation for future projects aimed at securing other uranium legacy sites,” noted Yakov Nikonov, General Director of JSC CPTI.

Rosatom’s Fuel Division (managed by JSC TVEL) comprises enterprises for nuclear fuel production, uranium conversion and enrichment, as well as research and design organizations. As the sole supplier of nuclear fuel for Russian nuclear power plants, TVEL provides fuel for more than 70 power reactors in 15 countries, research reactors in nine countries, and transport reactors of Russia’s nuclear fleet. Every sixth power reactor in the world operates on TVEL fuel.

The Fuel Division is the world’s largest producer of enriched uranium and a leader in the global market for stable isotopes. It is actively expanding into new areas, including chemistry, metallurgy, energy storage, 3D printing, digital products, and nuclear decommissioning.

Within this sphere, Rosatom has established sectoral integrators for additive technologies and energy storage systems.

Since 2019, JSC TVEL has acted as the industry integrator for decommissioning nuclear and radiation-hazardous facilities and managing associated radioactive waste.

In 2021, the CIS Economic Council designated JSC TVEL as the Basic Organization of CIS Member States on issues of spent nuclear fuel, radioactive waste management, and nuclear decommissioning. The Basic Organization provides assistance to CIS states through multilateral and bilateral cooperation aimed at comprehensively addressing SNF, RW, and nuclear decommissioning challenges, as well as implementing specific projects at relevant sites.

The Central Design and Technology Institute (CPTI) specializes in designing nuclear facilities, developing and manufacturing equipment for nuclear energy applications, science, and nuclear medicine. The company also focuses on decommissioning nuclear and radiation-hazardous facilities and reclaiming radiation-contaminated territories.

Rosatom, a low-carbon electricity producer, is consistently taking steps toward a green economy. Reducing environmental impact, preserving and restoring biological resources remain top priorities of Russia’s nuclear industry in environmental protection.