A mock nuclear waste drum can be seen on the property of farmer Ludwig Wasmus, board member of the nuclear waste storage-critical Citizens' initiative ĄAG Schacht Konrad“, in the immediate neighbourhood of the Schacht Konrad former iron-ore mine on October 21, 2024 near Salzgitter, central Germany. Work is underway to convert the former iron mine into a final storage for more than 300,000 cubic metres of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste. The subterranean site is meant to start operating in the early 2030s. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY by SEBASTIEN ASH