Kazakhstan Converts Nuclear Test Site for Industrial Use
The Kazakh government has recently approved the transfer of over 71 hectares of land from the reserve lands of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site for industrial, transport, and communications purposes. This decision, made on March 27, signifies a significant step in utilizing the land for productive activities.
The land has been reclassified for various purposes including industry, transport, communications, space activities, defense, national security, nuclear safety zones, and other non-agricultural uses. Altyn Group Qazaqstan has been granted temporary land use rights until 2028 to develop a rare earth element deposit on the site.
In return for the land usage, Altyn Group Qazaqstan, a company specializing in precious metal extraction, is obligated to compensate the national budget for any agricultural production losses resulting from the land acquisition for non-agricultural purposes. Established in 1997 and based in London, the company is committed to developing the rare earth element deposit in a responsible and sustainable manner.
This move highlights the government’s efforts to maximize the potential of the former nuclear test site for economic development while also ensuring environmental and agricultural considerations are taken into account. It is a step towards transforming the site into a hub for valuable resources and innovation in the Abai Region.
