Kazakhstan’s Remote Uranium Country

Читайте этот материал на русском. A narrow road winds through the rugged Karatau mountain range toward Sozak, a district in Kazakhstan's southern Turkestan region.The journey is a study in contrasts: ancient, fractured rock gives way without warning to flat expanses of scorched grass, swept by a constant wind.That wind, locals will tell you, is somewhat of a blessing, carrying away the worst of what uranium mining leaves behind.Known as the Uranium Steppe, Turkestan produces 60% of Kazakhstan’s uranium output, making it the world’s most significant source of the nuclear fuel.It is also one of the country’s poorest regions.Vlast visited several of Turkestan’s towns and villages in the spring of 2025 to report on life above the mines. A parallel investigation from the same trip found high levels of uranium and other toxins in the local water supply.The End of the RoadThe journey from the city of Turkestan to Taukent is a bumpy three-hour drive.Outside the window, the occasional abandoned gas station or cafeteria fly by the roadside in an otherwise bleak and empty landscape.The town itself, home to around 8,000 people, sits at the foot of the Karatau mountains.On the approach, spots of green begin to appear in patches beside residential areas, relief from the endless yellow steppe.Most people here work in uranium.The nearest mining company in Taukent is Kazatomprom-SaUran, a subsidiary of the national uranium company.Others travel further to work for KATCO, a joint venture between France’s Orano and Kazatomprom, or Inkai, owned by Kazatomprom and Canada’s Cameco.Unlike the other towns scattered across the Sozak district, Taukent has multi-story residential blocks, though several now stand empty.In the middle of the town, a school, veterans’ center and the House of Culture are all falling apart.Nearby, a group of men sit on old sofas set out under awnings passing the time.There are a few cafes and shops nearby.It has the unhurried atmosphere of a place where there is not much left to do.Entering Taukent.