Recent satellite imagery shows North Korea expanding a uranium enrichment plant at its main nuclear complex, Yongbyon. According to experts, this is a sign that it intends to increase the production of materials to create a bomb, write from bg-voice.com
North Korea recently conducted its first missile tests in six months, raising tensions at a time when diplomacy with the United States on nuclear disarmament is at a standstill.
“The expansion of the enrichment plant probably shows that North Korea plans to increase uranium production in Yonbyon by about 25 percent to the point of creating weapons,” experts from the Middlebury Institute for International Studies in Monterey said in a report.
According to the report, satellite images taken by Maksar show construction work in an area near the uranium enrichment plant in Yongbyon.
A photo taken on September 1 shows clearing trees and preparing for construction. Another photo taken on September 14 shows a wall being erected around the area, foundations being laid and panels being moved from the side of the enrichment building to provide access to the newly fenced area.
“The new area is approximately 1,000 square meters, enough space to accommodate 1,000 additional centrifuges,” the report said.
Nuclear weapons can be made from highly enriched uranium or plutonium, and North Korea has facilities in Yongbyon for the production of both. Earlier, satellite images of Yongbyon showed signs that North Korea was resuming operations at other weapons-grade plutonium production sites.
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