Algeria begins second phase of nuclear site cleanup
The army is removing radioactive waste from a former French nuclear test site in Tamanrasset.
Algeria has started the second phase of decontaminating former French nuclear test sites in the south. The operation, launched on Sunday, focuses on removing radioactive waste from the Beryl E2 underground test tunnel in In Ekker, Tamanrasset. This effort uses national expertise and resources under the supervision of the Ministry of National Defence.
The Ministry of National Defence announced the operation aims to address radioactive waste at the former French nuclear testing site. The work is coordinated with the National Agency for the Rehabilitation of Former French Nuclear Tests and Explosion Sites in Southern Algeria. France has not provided records or maps of nuclear waste burial sites.
This decontamination effort coincides with celebrations for the 72nd anniversary of Algeria’s Revolution. The High Command of the People’s National Army stated Algeria is continuing cleanup efforts despite France's refusal to acknowledge criminal responsibility.
Why it mattersAlgerians are affected by the ongoing cleanup of radioactive waste from former French nuclear test sites within their country.