K. V. Myasnikov, V. V. Kasatkin, and V. D. Akhunov
All-Russia Research and Production Institute of Industrial Technologies,
Ministry of Nuclear Power of Russia, Moscow, Russia
Received February 2, 1998
Abstract—The problem of the peaceful use of underground nuclear explosions in Russia, including the main
data on 81 explosions conducted, is briefly reviewed in this paper. The technological and economical efficiency
of the different use of nuclear explosions is analyzed. The negative aftereffects of explosions, caused mainly by
nonobservance of designs and technologies, are considered in addition to the positive effects. Much attention
is paid to the problems of radiation safety at all stages of underground nuclear explosions from their detonation
to the closure of facilities. The prospects of the peaceful use of nuclear explosions are considered. The central
zones of underground nuclear explosions are considered as radwaste depositories in geological formations. In
connection with the growing demands of the federal laws to ensure environmental protection and safety of the
population from radiation, it is noted that the normative-legal basis for the closure of nuclear explosion facilities
is inefficient and should be improved.