SOE “Navoiyuran”’s commitment to sustainable development is based on a deep understanding of environmental and social responsibility. In addition to complying with environmental regulations, we actively seek ways to reduce our environmental impact and improve the quality of life for our employees and local communities.
Responsibility for managing environmental issues is assigned to the Environmental Protection Service (EPS), which reports to the First Deputy General Director. In its activities, EPS is guided by the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and internal regulations of the Enterprise.
In 2023, the certification body CERT International LLC conducted an audit that confirmed the compliance of the environmental management system with requirements of ISO 14001:2015 standard.
The audit assessed the environmental processes and practices of the Enterprise, identifying areas for improvement.
Environmental Compliance
The company adheres to environmental standards as part of its quality, environmental, health and safety management strategy. We strive to comply with the standards established by the legislation of Uzbekistan, carrying out activities in accordance with the approved policies and regulations prescribed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, laws and regulations on environmental protection and rational use of natural resources.
Over the past year, we have focused on addressing environmental issues such as reducing pollutant emissions, managing water discharges and managing waste. We have developed more than 35 documents covering various aspects of environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources. These documents are aimed at improving the quality of the atmosphere, water resources and proper waste management.
The examination of the State Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection evaluates our projects in terms of their compliance with standards, implementation efficiency and potential impact on the environment and human health.
We also actively use environmental impact assessment (EIA) when developing new projects, taking into account the current state of nature and developing development scenarios taking into account the impact of our activities. To regulate emissions and discharges, we develop internal documents on maximum permissible emissions (MPE) and discharges (MPD), as well as waste management standards (WMS). This allows us to strictly comply with environmental standards and effectively manage waste management and disposal processes.
In addition, we regularly pay compensation for environmental emissions in accordance with the data received. Our goal is to reduce the negative impact on the environment, so we develop and present environmental action plans that include a wide range of measures aimed at improving the environmental situation.
Compliance with applicable environmental standards and requirements is an integral part of the activities of SOE “Navoiyuran”. Government authorities annually carry out inspections of the Enterprise’s facilities to confirm compliance with environmental protection requirements.
In 2023, the specialised prosecutor’s office of the Navoiy region of the Republic of Uzbekistan conducted an audit of the activities of the State-Owned Enterprise “Navoiyuran ” for compliance with the environmental legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. According to the results of the inspection of the regional prosecutor’s office in the Navoiy region, no violations were identified.
During the audit, an analysis of the Enterprise’s approach to compliance with the requirements of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Environmental Control” was carried out. At the same time, the effectiveness of the measures taken by the Enterprise to ensure compliance with environmental norms and standards established by the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan was assessed. The results of the analysis allowed us to conclude that the Enterprise is actively working to comply with environmental control requirements and is taking the necessary measures to minimise the negative impact on the environment.
During the reporting period, not a single major environmental incident was recorded and there were no complaints from the local population against the State-Owned Enterprise “Navoiyuran”.
Environmentally Responsible Approach to the Exploitation of Deposits
The enterprise’s activities in extracting uranium using underground in-situ recovery help reduce the negative impact on the environment.
The main objects of impact are subsoil, groundwater, soil cover and soils.
According to the requirements for state environmental assessment, the opinion of the population is taken into account. Before starting economic activity, specialists provide a positive expert opinion on the selection and allocation of land plots for the development of fields.
Environmental impact assessment projects developed by third-party companies are considered.
Upon completion of work at the fields, a project is being developed for the decontamination and technical reclamation of areas to restore damaged areas of the soil cover. The company follows legal standards, having reclaimed 30 hectares of land in 2023.
Having completed the work, the Enterprise is developing a plan for the removal of used equipment and infrastructure, as well as a project for decontamination and technical reclamation of deposit areas in order to restore damaged areas of the soil cover.