Context
- Recently, The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that North Korea is expanding its uranium-enrichment infrastructure, including a new enrichment facility at the Yongbyon nuclear complex capable of accommodating up to 28 gas-centrifuge cascades.
What has the IAEA found?
- A new two-storey uranium-enrichment building has been identified at Yongbyon.
- The facility has been designated Yongbyon Uranium Enrichment Facility 2 (UEF2) by the IAEA.
- It can accommodate up to 28 centrifuge cascades.
- Since a single centrifuge cannot achieve the required enrichment, many centrifuges are connected in stages to form a cascade, progressively increasing the U-235 concentration.
- The IAEA also found indications of expanded operations at the Kangson Uranium Enrichment Facility.
Why is Uranium Enrichment Important?
- In nature, mined uranium consists of about 99.3% non-fissionable Uranium-238 and only 0.7% fissionable Uranium-235.
- Enrichment increases the U-235 concentration, making uranium suitable for many nuclear applications.
- Types of Enriched Uranium
- Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU, 3–5% U-235): Mainly used as fuel in civilian nuclear power reactors.
- High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium / Medium Enrichment (5–20% U-235): Used in advanced/research reactors and some naval applications.
- Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU, 20% to 90%+ U-235): Used for certain specialized reactor applications; at around 90% U-235, it is generally considered weapons-grade.
About IAEA
- Established: 1957
- Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
- Nature: Intergovernmental organisation within the UN family; works as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organisation.
- Members: 180+ Member States.
- It reports to both the UNGA and the UN Security Council.
- General Conference: Highest policy-making body; includes all Member States.
- 2005 Nobel Peace Prize: Awarded jointly to the IAEA and Mohamed ElBaradei for efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes.
Core Objectives
- Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: Promotes safe, secure and peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
- Nuclear Safety: Develops international safety standards for nuclear facilities and activities.
- Nuclear Security: Helps prevent nuclear and radioactive materials from being used for malicious purposes.
- Nuclear Safeguards: Verifies that nuclear material is not diverted from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons programmes.
- Technology & Development: Supports nuclear applications in health, agriculture, water, food and industry.
IAEA & NPT
- NPT = Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (1968).
- IAEA safeguards help verify compliance with the NPT’s non-proliferation obligations.
- India is not a party to the NPT, but India has an IAEA safeguards agreement covering its designated civilian nuclear facilities.
- North Korea joined the NPT in 1985, but later announced its withdrawal and has subsequently operated outside the treaty framework.
- Important: IAEA does not itself impose sanctions; the UN Security Council can take enforcement action.
| Important CTC IAEA |
Q. Yongbyon and Kangson, recently in the news, are located in which country?
(a) North Korea
(b) South Korea
(c) Japan
(d) China
The correct answer is (a) North Korea.
Explanation:
Yongbyon is North Korea's principal nuclear facility, housing its major research reactors, power plants, and uranium enrichment facilities (including the newly reported UEF2).
Kangson is another key site in North Korea identified by intelligence and international monitors (including the IAEA) as harboring a covert or expanded uranium enrichment facility.