IAEA delegation examining capacities of future international uranium enrichment center in Angarsk

20.03.2007 // RIA Novosti

Representatives of Rosatom and IAEA are examining the capacities of the international uranium enrichment center that is being formed in Angarsk on the basis of the local Chemical Electrolytic Combine

«The objective of the IAEA delegation is to see if the center will be able to stably supply uranium to the countries wishing to develop nuclear energy,» the deputy director general of IAEA Yuri Sokolov said today.

He pointed out that the key condition for the start of the supplies is the observance of all international rules for nonproliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Today, the IAEA delegates took part in the opening of the Information Center formed by Rosatom for informing the public of the safety of the uranium enrichment center for the population and environment.

During a hot line with the region’s population the Rosatom representatives said that the industrial emissions of Angarsk Chemical Electrolytic Combine are within norm and assured that the center will observe all international standards.

Tomorrow, Mar 21, the Rosatom and IAEA delegates will conduct a seminar on the establishment of international uranium enrichment center in Russia.

Recently, the first vice-premier of Russia Sergey Ivanov made it clear that the center will shortly start its work. He said that this project has no political implications. The center is meant for the countries wishing to develop nuclear energy.
 
The initiative for establishing an international uranium enrichment center was advanced by President Putin. On Dec 12 2006 Russia and Kazakhstan signed a JV agreement. According to the agreement, Kazakh uranium will be enriched on a special site to be set up at Angarsk Chemical Electrolytic Combine (Irkutsk region). In fact, this is the first JV under the project.

Such centers are a guarantee that the countries wishing to develop nuclear energy will get fuel for their NPPs without creating technologies of double purpose.

The project was approved by IAEA Director General Mohamed El Baradei during the 50th IAEA General Conference held in Vienna in Sept.