Nagra News – May 2026: What If Something Wasn't Considered?

Good day,

«For me, it would be bad if someone came with a scenario and I had to say: ‹Damn, we didn't think of that›», says geochemist Olivier Leupin from Nagra. What if something happened that wasn't considered?

The question is not only justified, but essential for the deep geological repository project: In the Mont Terri rock laboratory, scientists examine countless scenarios, even extreme and improbable ones.

Leupin, hydrogeologist Typhaine Guillemot and geologist Irina Gaus provide insight into the thinking behind a project with a planning horizon of one million years and what experts call «unknown unknowns».

How is the movement of radioactive particles in rock investigated? For this purpose, an unusual device is used in the Grimsel Rock Laboratory – internally referred to as a «submarine». Last year, it had to undergo maintenance. What followed was mainly a logistical challenge.

«How harmful is radioactive waste?» – this question has moved many readers.

Stay curious and join us in the conversation. We look forward to the dialogue with you on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and on LinkedIn.