North Korea appears to have restarted Yongbyon nuclear reactor, IAEA says – By Thomas Maresca (UPI) / Aug 30 2021
SEOUL, Aug. 29 (UPI) — North Korea appears to have begun operating a nuclear reactor capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium after a pause of more than two-and-a-half years, according to a new report by the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency.
The 5-megawatt reactor at the Yongbyon Nuclear Research Facility has shown indications of use since last month, according to the IAEA report, which was submitted to the agency’s board of governors on Friday.
“There were no indications of reactor operation from early December 2018 to the beginning of July 2021,” the report said. “However, since early July 2021, there have been indications, including the discharge of cooling water, consistent with the operation of the reactor.”
The nuclear agency has not had access to North Korea since 2009, when Pyongyang expelled its inspectors, and has used satellite imagery to monitor activity at the facility.
