Deep beneath the Gobi Desert near Jiuquan in northwestern China, construction is progressing on the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory (URL) a massive facility designed to test how high‑level radioactive waste can be safely isolated for the long term. A major milestone was recently announced with the completion of a 7‑kilometre spiral access ramp, a critical piece of infrastructure that descends roughly 560 metres underground to reach research levels.
The spiral tunnel approximately 7.03 metres wide and built with a consistent 10 percent gradient is part of a complex underground system that also includes multiple shafts and two experimental levels. The unusual spiral design enables safe and efficient movement of people, heavy equipment, and scientific experiments deep into stable granite rock formations where researchers will evaluate future repository designs.
Operated by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), the Beishan URL aims to support research on the geological disposal of radioactive waste in granite a key priority as nations seek long‑term solutions to isolate dangerous nuclear byproducts from the environment and population. The project’s scale and engineering complexity also reflect decades of geological study and planning in the region, where dry conditions and stable rock were deemed ideal for deep geological research.
Experts say the lab will help China and international partners better understand how to safely manage high‑level radioactive waste material that remains hazardous for thousands of years by testing geological conditions, engineered barriers, and repository designs under real subsurface conditions. Once complete, the Beishan URL is expected to underpin future efforts to develop a full‑scale deep geological repository, positioning China alongside other countries pursuing long‑term solutions for nuclear waste disposal.
