OSCE and European Union supported opening of Museum of the History of Mailuu-Suu and the Uranium Heritage of Kyrgyzstan

Mailuu-Suu is a small town located in the Jalal-Abad province, Kyrgyzstan, with a population of 22 thousand people. During the Soviet years, the town used to be a regional centre for mining uranium ore – a large industry that came to a halt with the breakup of the Soviet Union in the early 1990’s. Mailuu-Suu’s industrial past left multiple uranium tailings pits that partially have been rehabilitated and recultivated; yet, there still remain tailings pits that pose threat to the local population’s and ecosystem’s health.

Today, Mailuu-Suu has potential for the development of small hydropower plants, production of glass, wool, and building materials. As such, on 16 June with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek Mailuu-Suu hosted a Development Forum, which aimed to promote investment potential and stimulate socio-economic and environmental development of the town. The Forum provided a platform for the representatives of the National Investment Agency, private sector, the Mailuu-Suu City Hall, the Kyrgyz National Parliament, Kyrgyz Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Emergency Situations, the European Commission, International Atomic Energy Agency, UN agencies, and OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek to discuss challenges and opportunities for revitalizing the town’s economy in a sustainable manner.  

Within the framework of the Forum, an opening of the Museum of the History of Mailuu-Suu and the Uranium Heritage of Kyrgyzstan took place – a one of a kind in Central Asia. The Museum – designed to serve as a "living" place – is a space where everyone can share relevant historical materials, stories and memories in the recording booth, and participate in open discussions on various topics, such as radiation safety and reclamation of uranium tailings. It is envisioned that the Museum will contribute to the development of cultural tourism of the town as well. 

The Museum was created with joint efforts of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Mailuu-Suu City Hall, the European Commission, OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, and UNDP. Also, the assistance was provided by the State Corporation Rosatom.