N. Korea's nuclear reactor shows signs of operating again: 38 North

By Lim Chang-won Posted : March 6, 2018, 11:22 Updated : March 6, 2018, 11:22

A file picture shows a North Korean ICBM during a military parade in February. [Yonhap News Photo]


SEOUL -- Satellite imagery shows that North Korea may have put a five-megawatt reactor back into operation at its main nuclear complex in Yongbyon to extract weapons-grade plutonium, according to 38 North, the website of a U.S. research institute.

Satellite imagery of the Yongbyon nuclear research center from February 25 indicates that the reactor continues to show signs of operation, with steam vapor plumes emanating from the generator hall and nearby river ice melting, 38 North said.

"If the reactor is operating again, as the evidence suggests, it means North Korea has resumed production of plutonium presumably for its nuclear weapons program," it said.

38 North said that no cooling water discharges have been observed to support a theory that North Korea may have extended the discharge pipe into the river to conceal the reactor's operational status.

In the southern parts of Yongbyon, a military tent camp has been set up at the intersection of two roads leading to a radiochemical laboratory and the former fuel fabrication area that includes the North's uranium enrichment plant, according to 38 North. "It is unclear what specific role this military camp will play, but it could be to support new construction and/or improve site security."

38 North said that over the past few months, more personnel have been observed at various locations throughout the complex, particularly in the courtyards of support areas and compounds.

The purpose of allowing more personnel visible throughout the complex may be intentional, or perhaps a play to satellites and external observers, the website said. "But the groupings may also be something as mundane as a coordinated effort to hold 'fire-drills' or other training or maintenance efforts."
 
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