Algeria launches second radioactive-waste cleanup at former French nuclear test site in Sahara

Algeria has launched a second operation to remove radioactive waste from a former French nuclear test site in the Sahara, the Defense Ministry said, accusing France of withholding records and maps needed to locate buried nuclear waste.

The operation began Sunday at the Beryl E2 test tunnel in In Ekker, Tamanrasset province, under Defense Ministry supervision and in coordination with Algeria’s national agency for rehabilitating former French nuclear test and explosion sites.

The ministry said teams would identify radioactive zones, collect nuclear waste and store it in specially designated concrete containers in accordance with national and international safety standards.

Algeria accused France of refusing to assume responsibility and provide documentation showing where radioactive waste was buried, saying contamination continued to hinder development in In Ekker and Reggane.

The first partial cleanup operation began on February 14 at Taourirt Tan Affella in the In Ekker area.

France conducted 17 nuclear tests in the Algerian Sahara between 1960 and 1966, including tests carried out after Algeria gained independence in 1962.