NewKerala.com

US Removes All Highly Enriched Uranium from Venezuela in Historic Mission

The US National Nuclear Security Administration successfully removed all remaining highly enriched uranium from a legacy research reactor in Venezuela. The operation, completed in less than six weeks, involved coordination with Venezuelan authorities, the IAEA, and experts from the UK. The 13.5 kilograms of uranium were transported to the Savannah River Site for processing into low-enriched uranium for US energy programs. This mission marks a significant step in reducing nuclear security risks in South America and globally.

Key Points: US Removes HEU from Venezuela: Nuclear Security Win

  • US removes 13.5 kg of highly enriched uranium from Venezuela
  • Operation completed in less than six weeks
  • Material transported to Savannah River Site for processing
  • Mission involved US, Venezuela, UK, and IAEA
  • Since 1996, over 7,350 kg of HEU removed globally
2 min read

US removes highly enriched uranium from Venezuela

US successfully removes all highly enriched uranium from a legacy research reactor in Venezuela, enhancing nuclear security in South America.

"The safe removal of all enriched uranium from Venezuela sends another signal to the world of a restored and renewed Venezuela. - Brandon Williams, NNSA Administrator"

Washington DC, May 9

The US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration on Friday announced the successful removal of all remaining highly enriched uranium from a legacy research reactor in Venezuela, calling the operation a significant step in reducing nuclear security risks in South America and the US homeland.

According to NNSA, which is a semi-autonomous agency within the US Department of Energy, the mission was carried out in coordination with the Venezuelan Ministry of Science and Technology, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), experts from the United Kingdom, and US State Department personnel.

"The safe removal of all enriched uranium from Venezuela sends another signal to the world of a restored and renewed Venezuela," said Brandon Williams, NNSA Administrator. "Thanks to President Trump's decisive leadership, the dedicated teams on the ground completed in months what would have normally taken years."

The agency said the RV-1 reactor had supported physics and nuclear research for decades, but after research activities ended in 1991, uranium enriched above the 20 per cent threshold remained as surplus material.

NNSA's Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN), working alongside experts from the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, removed 13.5 kilograms (about 30 pounds) of uranium from the reactor less than six weeks after an initial site visit.

The uranium was securely packaged into a spent fuel cask and transported roughly 100 miles overland to a Venezuelan port before being loaded onto a specialised carrier supplied by the United Kingdom's Nuclear Transport Solutions. The shipment arrived in the United States in early May and was transferred to the Savannah River Site for processing and reuse.

Dr. Matt Napoli, DNN's Deputy Administrator, who travelled to Venezuela to oversee the operation, praised the teams involved in the mission.

"I couldn't be prouder of the men and women who carried out this vital mission," Napoli said. "NNSA's long history in removing nuclear material and the team's extensive know-how were key to this success."

NNSA said the material will now be processed at the H-Canyon chemical separations facility to obtain high-assay low-enriched uranium for future US nuclear energy programs.

The agency added that since 1996, it and its predecessor offices have removed or confirmed the disposition of more than 7,350 kilograms (16,250 pounds) of highly enriched uranium and plutonium from dozens of countries as part of global nuclear nonproliferation efforts.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

M
Michael C
This is the kind of quiet diplomacy that actually works. Removing 13.5kg of HEU in just 6 weeks is impressive logistics. Makes you wonder how much other vulnerable nuclear material is still sitting in old research facilities around the world though.
S
Sneha F
Good move but let's not pretend the US does this purely out of goodwill. It's about preventing any rogue actors from getting their hands on this material. Still, better safe than sorry. Hope India continues to push for similar de-weaponization in our region too.
R
Rahul R
Trump administration taking credit for something started years ago...but anyway, glad the material is secured. The Savannah River Site will put it to good use for civilian purposes. Would be nice if all countries with nuclear weapons could start reducing their stockpiles too.
J
James A
This is textbook nuclear nonproliferation done right. The collaboration between US, UK, IAEA, and Venezuela is textbook stuff. 7,350kg removed since 1996 is no small feat. We need more of this globally, especially with tensions rising in so many regions.
K
Karthik V
Hmm, "restored and renewed Venezuela" is a bit of a stretch given the ongoing political crisis there. But on the technical side, removing HEU from a reactor that's been idle since 1991 is definitely overdue. Should have happened much earlier. Better late than never I suppose.
E
Emma D

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50