Environmental Monitoring in Uranium Deposit and Indoor Radon Survey in Settlements Located near Uranium Mining Area, South Kazakhstan

In the late 1960s, a uranium province was explored in the Shu-Sarysu depression in southern Kazakhstan. These mining operations can lead to potential contamination of the environment and pose health risks to the population. The aim of this study is to carry out environmental monitoring in uranium deposits and assess indoor radon levels in settlements located in the uranium mining area in the southern region of Kazakhstan. Elevated outdoor ambient equivalent dose rates (0.5–1.2 µSv/h) were detected beyond the buffer zone, particularly near a preserved self-flowing well, where the highest activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were recorded (226Ra—2350 Bq/kg, 232Th—270 Bq/kg, 40K—860 Bq/kg), exceeding background levels. Indoor ambient equivalent dose rates in the settlements of Taukent, Zhuantobe, Tasty, and Shu ranged from 0.04 to 0.15 μSv/h, while outdoor levels varied from 0.03 to 0.1 μSv/h, remaining within global and regional average values. Radon concentrations were highest in Tasty and Shu but did not exceed the permissible level. However, Shu exhibited the highest radiation exposure dose (>4 mSv/y), approaching the lower range of recommended action levels (3–10 mSv/y). These findings highlight the necessity for continuous monitoring and potential mitigation strategies in areas with naturally elevated radiation levels.