Kyrgyz Parliament introduces draft law on ban uranium mining

Bishkek, June 11, 2019. /Kabar/. A draft law "On the Prohibition of the Geological Study of Subsoil for the Purpose of Prospecting, Exploration and Development of Uranium and Thorium Deposits in the Kyrgyz Republic" was submitted to the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Parliament members justify their initiative by the fact that the draft law provides for a ban on activities related to geological prospecting, exploration, development of uranium and thorium deposits in the Kyrgyz Republic.
"Previously issued licenses for geological prospecting, exploration and development of uranium deposits will be terminated as of the entry into force of this Law. The Government is instructed to take measures to ensure radiation and environmental safety, prevent a threat to the life or health of people working or living in the area of influence of works related to the use of subsurface resources on geological prospecting, exploration or development of uranium and thorium deposits in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic," the statement said.
Earlier, Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev signed an order according to which until the legislative regulation, carrying out works on the licensed areas provided for the purposes of geological study and development of radioactive elements (uranium) is prohibited in pursuance of the resolution of the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic "On measures to ensure radiation safety of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic" dated May 2, 2019 № 3027-VI.