NMEU: Isotope shortage may not be as dire

A global shortage of molybdenum-99 and iodine-131 due to a mechanical failure at Belgium's BR2 reactor in Mol may not be as dire as initially predicted, according to Nuclear Medicine Europe (NMEU).

BR2 staff informed NMEU on November 4 that inspections of the reactor have been completed. Inspection results were expected to be discussed November 7; the reactor may resume production on November 17.

In addition, NMEU confirmed the following:

1. The Czech LVR-15 reactor will resume production on November 18 instead of November 29.
2. Australia's Open Pool Australian Lightwater reactor restarted on November 5.
3. The South African SAFARI reactor will continue to operate until November 19.

NMEU will provide further communication regarding isotope production November 8, it said.