The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) Center plans to file its license application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) next year, with expectations to supply the medical isotope molybdenum-99 within four years.
Plans are to construct a new facility next to the current nuclear reactor located in Columbia for $30 to $40 million, depending on the final design, to produce enough molybdenum-99 to meet half the U.S. demand.
MURR also plans to use low-enriched uranium at the new facility, rather than the weapons-grade high-enriched uranium that's currently used for molybdenum-99 production.
Related Reading
MURR initiates Mo-99 production plans, February 17, 2009
SNM draft report shows U.S. Mo-99 production years away, July 22, 2008
MU seeks funds for new molybdenum-99 source, December 12, 2007
Copyright © 2009 AuntMinnie.com