The National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been designated the national operator for radioactive waste management. Order No. 129-н/қ was signed by the chairman of the Agency for Atomic Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan on October 30, 2026. It also approves regulations governing the operator’s activities.
The decision implements Kazakhstan’s Law on Radioactive Waste Management of July 7, 2026, and is intended to further develop the national system for the safe handling of radioactive waste.
Established in 1992, the National Nuclear Center conducts research into nuclear and radiation safety, studies the consequences of nuclear tests, and addresses scientific and technical issues related to radioactive waste.
Radioactive waste in Kazakhstan has accumulated from past activities, including nuclear tests and uranium mining and processing. It is also generated by the operation of nuclear facilities, uranium mining and processing enterprises, and activities in industry, medicine and science. Waste will also arise from the operation of future nuclear power plants.
The national operator will carry out work to ensure the safe handling of radioactive waste. Its key responsibilities include creating and operating disposal infrastructure, closing relevant facilities and monitoring them afterward.
The operator will also carry out the decommissioning and conservation of nuclear legacy facilities owned by the state or due to be transferred to it. Its responsibilities will include work, as required by law, to address the consequences of uranium mining and processing.
