Representatives of the non-governmental institution «Eco Mangystau» (NGI) have stated that the «Koshkar-Ata» tailings pond in the Mangystau region remains a serious threat to the region's ecology and public health, despite measures being taken. According to them, the site continues to pose a significant danger.
For reference: A tailings pond is a complex of special structures designed for the storage or disposal of radioactive, toxic, and other waste from mineral processing (such waste is called tailings).
According to Lada.kz, studies have shown the low effectiveness of simply burying the waste under soil. In a number of areas, no excesses of radiation norms were detected. However, environmentalists note that this does not mean the problem is solved.
"More than 100 million tonnes of radioactive and toxic waste have accumulated in the pit. This includes heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel), uranium sludge, strontium-90, radium-226, and other chemicals. These substances do not simply disappear. They seep into the soil and groundwater, are carried into the air with dust, and pose a direct threat to human health. Cases of genetic mutations in animals near the storage facility have already been recorded. The level of cancer in the region is a serious cause for concern," the NGI states.
The environmentalists insist that a key step towards solving the problem will be a project to create a green belt and biological reclamation. At the same time, they note that planting saxaul will not eliminate the toxic waste.
"This is only a supporting step. The main task is the full and high-quality reclamation of the tailings pond. Half-measures are unacceptable. We insist on preventing a formal approach to this problem, on transparency in all decisions and procedures, regular information for the public, as well as strict environmental control and independent monitoring," note representatives of «Eco Mangystau».
The head of the organisation, Kirill Osin, emphasised that it is unacceptable to ignore the problem and postpone its solution for decades.
"The Koshkar-Ata tailings pond must cease to be the poisoned wound of Mangystau. I believe it is dangerous to create the illusion among the population that the threat is already behind us. The Koshkar-Ata tailings pond is an environmental issue of national importance," Osin believes.
Incidentally, independent environmentalist Adilbek Kozybakov previously expressed doubts about the authorities' promises of a speedy solution to the problem. He stated the need for an audit and verification of the spending of funds allocated for reclamation.