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US expert “North Korea may be operating one or two secret nuclear facilities other than Yongbyon”

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Satellite image of coal-fired power plant in Yongbyon nuclear facility in North Pyongan Province, North Korea (captured from ’38 North’)

Voice of America (VOA) reported on the 18th that an American nuclear expert estimated that North Korea may be operating centrifuges to extract nuclear material while operating secret nuclear facilities other than Yongbyon.

According to VOA, David Albright, director of the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), said, “There could be one or two more secret locations related to nuclear weapons.” “Because we could have secured thousands more centrifuges than we did and put them in other secret nuclear facilities.”

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He explained that North Korea is operating up to 10,000 centrifuges, of which 4,000 are likely to be located at the Yongbyon nuclear facility and the remaining 6,000 in one or two secret locations.

In addition, “Another reason is that much interest has been focused on the ‘Kangseon nuclear complex’ besides Yongbyon,” he said.

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Centrifuges are equipment that plays an important role in the production of uranium nuclear fuel in the process of nuclear development. They are used to separate and extract uranium isotopes, uranium-235 (U-235) and uranium-238 (U-238), by applying centrifugal force.

Meanwhile, VOA reported that Director Albright said, “North Korea’s moves to increase the operation of centrifuges at additional facilities and to operate a test light-water reactor at Yongbyon are all closely related to Chairman Kim Jong-un’s recent public order to increase nuclear material production for nuclear weapons development.” ”he said.

He was concerned that “[North Korea’s]overseas procurement difficulties will gradually resolve, and North Korea’s nuclear development may further accelerate.” The international community must clarify the facts.”

Source: Donga

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