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U.S. Nuclear Agency OKs License for Laser Enrichment, Despite Worries

IN THIS ISSUE: NRC ok's license for laser enrichment, Iran pushes ahead with Arak nuclear reactor, are Iran's nuclear sabotage fears 'justified?', Trident submarine missiles review to suggest 'stepping down nuclear ladder,' India moving closer to joining NSG, keeping nukes safe from cyber attack.

Published on September 27, 2012
 

U.S. Nuclear Agency OKs License for Laser Enrichment, Despite Worries

Elaine M. Grossman | Global Security Newswire

Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff on Tuesday issued the first U.S. commercial license ever for a process in which uranium is enriched by laser, opening what many issue experts have warned could be a new chapter in the global proliferation of sensitive atomic materials.

"This is going to further validate a new enrichment technology when we're trying to get countries to restrict the old enrichment technologies, because they're dangerous enough," said one House aide, describing a concern held by several members of Congress. "How is this a positive for nonproliferation?"   Full Article



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