Radioecological aspects of the management of uranium industry tailings in Tajikistan

   People and the environment must be protected from radiation risks now and in the future.

   In this regard, the aim of this work was to summarize the existing data on the tailings of the uranium industry in Tajikistan and to develop scientifically grounded radiation-hygienic approaches to the management of low-level radioactive waste.

   The objective of the research was to analyze the formation of radioactive tailings in the territory of Tajikistan.

   Materials and Methods: The information base of the research was the results of previously conducted scientific works. The main characteristics of tailings storage facilities, as well as their radiation impact on the environment, have been examined.

   Particular attention is given to the issues of categorization and passportization of radioactive waste.

   Radiation monitoring was carried out using modern measuring instruments and equipment manufactured in the Russian Federation (“Doza”), the Republic of Belarus (“Atomtech”), the USA (“Canberra”), and Germany (“Thermo”).

   Results and Discussion: Existing radioecological risks in the areas where unsealed tailings pond is located have been identified. The radiation and hygiene requirements for ensuring the radiation safety of industrial waste have been considered. It is noted that the reclamation work carried out at the facilities in the of Istiklol city has significant practical importance, as it ensured the reduction of the radiation background to the normative level (0.3 µSv/h), decreased the anthropogenic load on the environment, and increased the ecological safety of the population.

   Conclusion: Promising directions include the continuation of reclamation of problematic areas, including the tailings pond of shop No. 3 of the former hydrometallurgical plant, the implementation of the Digmay tailings restoration project with the dismantling of contaminated infrastructure, the adoption of measures to ensure the safety of the Adrasman tailings pond, as well as the introduction of a state program for the safe management of uranium legacy with a long-term radioecological monitoring system. The comprehensive implementation of the aforementioned measures will ensure further reduction of radiation and environmental risks, create a foundation for the safe and sustainable development of the area, and also enable its safe future use.

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