WANA (Mar 26) – The Deputy Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) announced a 100% increase in land exploration, a 34% rise in mining activities, and a notable boost in yellowcake production as key achievements in 2024. He also outlined plans to expand uranium processing and yellowcake production facilities across the country.

 

Seyed Javad Ahmadi, Deputy Head of the AEOI and CEO of the Nuclear Fuel and Raw Materials Production Company, reviewed the organization’s accomplishments in 2024 and outlined its key initiatives for the coming year.

 

Record-breaking Achievements in Nuclear Fuel Production

Ahmadi highlighted the progress made in nuclear fuel production, stating that all scheduled programs were successfully implemented, with some reaching record levels.

 

In the exploration sector, which is the first phase of the nuclear fuel cycle, there was a 100% increase in land exploration (identification and prospecting) compared to the previous year.

 

Additionally, complementary exploration efforts saw a 24% increase, while mining and extraction of radioactive materials and associated elements grew by approximately 34%.

 

Enhancing Mining Capabilities Through a Collaborative Model

The CEO explained that this surge in performance was due to the implementation of a new partnership model in the Nuclear Fuel and Raw Materials Production Company (TAMAS).

 

By leveraging the expertise of private mining firms, the organization was able to accelerate the extraction of uranium and radioactive elements significantly.

 

He noted that if these efforts had been carried out solely by the AEOI, the process would have taken much longer. The collaborative approach has allowed both private mining companies and the AEOI to achieve their objectives more efficiently.

 

Significant Growth in Yellowcake Production

Ahmadi reported substantial progress in uranium ore processing, citing the Shahid Rezaeinejad plant and the Saghand yellowcake plant at the Shahid Soleimani site as key operational facilities.

 

In 2024, Iran produced a significant volume of yellowcake, and the organization now plans to expand yellowcake production plants across all mining sites. The goal is to establish on-site processing facilities at every uranium mining location in the country.

 

Securing Fuel Supply for Reactors and Power Plants

Iran has also made notable strides in nuclear fuel production. Infrastructure projects are underway to ensure a steady supply of nuclear fuel for domestic reactors and power plants.

 

Several contracts have been finalized to secure these supplies, and investments are being made in new infrastructure and equipment to facilitate fuel production.

 

Last year, the hexafluoride tellurium production line was successfully launched, achieving full-scale production. In 2024, Iran also commissioned a hexafluoride iridium production line, further strengthening its nuclear fuel capabilities.

 

Advancements in Nuclear Waste Management

Ahmadi highlighted progress in waste management infrastructure, with the completion of key administrative and industrial buildings. Additionally, four nuclear fuel transport and storage casks are nearing completion and are expected to be operational by June 2024. These casks will play a critical role in the safe storage of spent nuclear fuel.

 

He also announced that a comprehensive safety testing facility for nuclear fuel casks is now operational. A one-third-scale test has been conducted, and full-scale testing is set to be completed in April 2024.

 

Expansion of Processing Facilities in 2025

Looking ahead, Ahmadi outlined key projects for 2025, including further exploration efforts across Iran, from the northwest to the southeastern regions.

 

He announced the launch of a new processing plant for associated elements at the Dilek Vardi complex and plans for a processing facility in southeastern Iran.

 

A new processing plant at the Rengan site will become operational by September 2025, and plans for another facility at Jangsar are currently in the design phase. The organization is also exploring the feasibility of high-capacity yellowcake production plants at additional sites.

 

Advancing Fuel Testing and Waste Management

In nuclear fuel production, Iran aims to complete previously initiated projects and establish a dedicated testing facility for pre-irradiation fuel analysis.

 

This facility will enable comprehensive quality and safety assessments before fuel is introduced into reactors. Additionally, several unfinished waste management projects are set to be completed in 2025.

 

Smart Mining Initiatives

Ahmadi noted that Iran started implementing smart mining technologies in 2024, with a focus on automated loading and transportation at mining sites. This initiative has already been successfully deployed at the Saghand site, and plans are to expand it to other locations in 2025.

 

Celebrating 50 Years of Iran’s Nuclear Industry

Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Ahmadi emphasized the achievements of Iranian nuclear scientists over the past five decades. He stated that Iran has fully indigenized the entire nuclear fuel cycle, and all fuel production operations are now conducted domestically.

 

He also underscored the significant progress in radiopharmaceutical production, stressing the need for greater support to enable further advancements in the field.