38 North "Experimental Light Water Reactor Nearly Completed"
Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, has instructed to expand the production of weapons-grade nuclear material, and an analysis has emerged indicating 'strong activity' at major nuclear facilities in Yongbyon.
North Korea specialist media 38 North reported on the 1st (local time) that an analysis of photos taken on the 3rd and 17th of last month revealed that the Experimental Light Water Reactor (ELWR) in Yongbyon is nearly complete, and activities suggesting a transition to operational status were detected. Additionally, the 5MW (megawatt) reactor in Yongbyon is operating, and photos indicate new building construction near the light water reactor. Furthermore, 'water discharge' was detected from the reactor's cooling system, and construction presumed to be expanding the capacity of the Yongbyon Uranium Enrichment Plant (UEP) has begun.
Kim Jong-un directs nuclear weapons armament project... "Expansion of weapons-grade nuclear material production" [Image source=Yonhap News]
38 North analyzed that these movements by North Korea appear to be related to Kim Jong-un's directive to expand the production of weapons-grade nuclear material. According to the Korean Central News Agency, Chairman Kim previously emphasized on the 27th of last month during a guidance session on nuclear weaponization projects that "we must prospectively expand the production of weapons-grade nuclear material and accelerate the production of increasingly powerful nuclear weapons."
38 North stated that satellite images taken on the 17th of last month revealed the foundation of a new building measuring 42 meters wide and 15 meters long near the Experimental Light Water Reactor. Construction of this building began in February this year, and the lowest floor appears to consist of about 20 rooms. Based on its location, it is expected to serve administrative functions such as providing accommodation for staff necessary for reactor operation or space for research or engineering.
In the photo from the 3rd of last month, water discharge into the nearby Kuryong River was observed approximately 75 meters from the Experimental Light Water Reactor pump room. Although discharge in this area has been observed before, 38 North pointed out that this suggests activity inside the reactor. They also noted that this discharge might be related to testing of the cooling system of the Experimental Light Water Reactor, increasing the likelihood that the reactor is preparing to operate.
Kim Jong-un directs nuclear weapons armament project... "Expansion of weapons-grade nuclear material production" [Image source=Yonhap News]
The media also reported that the 5MW reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear facility has been continuously operating since July 2021. In particular, new construction appears to be underway at the spent nuclear fuel storage building of the reactor, which is presumed to be a measure to avoid moving spent nuclear fuel outside the facility for the time being.
In the southern complex of the Uranium Enrichment Plant, construction and renovation work has been ongoing for the past year, centered on the Uranium Oxide (UO2) to Uranium Tetrafluoride (UF4) conversion building. In July last year, a large portion of the building's roof was removed, initially raising the possibility of demolition, but by December last year, a new roof was added, confirming that renovation was in progress.
Additionally, on the 13th of last month, three special railway vehicles were spotted around the nuclear facility. Even after two of them departed on the 17th, one unusually remained until the 21st, raising questions, 38 North reported. It is speculated that these special railway vehicles may be related to the Manpo Canal Factory chemical production complex in Jagang Province, North Korea, which the U.S. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) North Korea specialist website 'Beyond Parallel' recently identified as a North Korean nuclear weapons development support facility.
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