NTP Radioisotopes of South Africa reportedly is perfecting the use of low-enriched uranium (LEU) at its Safari-1 nuclear reactor to produce the medical isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99).
A September 17 report by World Nuclear News cited comments from Rob Adam, CEO of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), indicating that NTP plans to develop commercially viable quantities of the medical isotope using LEU technology.
According to the report, Adam said conversion of Safari-1 to LEU targets has not been without some technical challenges, but NECSA continues to make progress toward full LEU production. The reactor is on schedule for full conversion to LEU targets within the year.
The first radioisotopes produced at Safari-1 using LEU targets were shipped to international customers in July. The first major commercial shipment to the U.S. is due on September 29.
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