Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 11 / Trend E. Kosolapova /
Kazakh and Kyrgyz business entities involved in supplies of radioactive coal from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan are responsible for this issue, Kazinform reported referring to the Kazakh Embassy to Kyrgyzstan.
"This incident took place due to unfair business activity of Kulan TB (Kazakhstan) and Electric stations (Kyrgyzstan) companies," the Embassy said.
Kazakhstan supplied 8,576 tons of coal from Kulan field to Kyrgyzstan in September. Later, the Kyrgyz party estimated the radiation background of the Kulan field at 8-10 times more than the norm. The coal was supplied by Kazakh company Kulan TB and was received and distributed in Kyrgyzstan by Kyrgyz company Electric Stations.
The prosecutor office of Kazakh Zhambyl region (where Kulan coal field is located) is investigating the issue. Kulan TB's activity was suspended and a criminal case was filed against the company's leadership and Kazakh customs officials. The investigation is under control of the Kazakh Prosecutor General.
According to Zhambyl region prosecutor Bagban Taimbetov, some measures have been developed to prevent such situations in the future.
The first consignment of radioactive coal will be transported back to Kazakhstan on Feb. 11.