“Deeply troubling” report says North Korea has turned on nuclear reactor

Published

4 years ago

August 30, 2021

The UN International Atomic Agency says that North Korea appears to have restarted its Yongbyon nuclear reactor

The UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes that the Yongbyon reactor supplies plutonium for North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

The report found evidence that the reactor has been on since early July, with the nearby radio-chemical lab operating from February to July.

“Since early July 2021, there have been indications, including the discharge of cooling water, consistent with the operation of the reactor.”

These findings also coincide with other signs that North Korea is using a nearby laboratory to extract plutonium from fuel previously removed from the reactor.

North Korea barred the IAEA’s access to the country in 2009, leaving the agency to monitor nuclear activity primarily through satellite imagery.

Indications of radiochemical reprocessing are “deeply troubling” and a “cause of serious concern”

The agency described the update as “deeply troubling” and a “clear violation” of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

“It appears to indicate North Korea has resumed producing plutonium for its nuclear weapons program,” Gary Samore from Brandeis University told The Australian.

“While North Korea already has a significant stockpile of nuclear weapons, this suggests it is moving to expand its current arsenal,” he said.

The IAEA says it will continue to call on North Korea to “comply fully” with its obligations under the UN security council resolutions.

Related Topics:Featured North Korea nuclear

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Natasha Schapova

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

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AUKUS praised as a win-win for international security

AUKUS envoy affirms Australia’s key role in security cooperation, highlighting nuclear submarine capabilities amid US defense partnership.

Published

21 hours ago

July 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

AUKUS envoy affirms Australia’s key role in security cooperation, highlighting nuclear submarine capabilities amid US defense partnership.

The UK’s top AUKUS envoy is in Australia, calling the trilateral pact a win-win for international security and defence cooperation.

The visit shines a light on Australia’s strategic role in the alliance, particularly its commitment to building nuclear submarine capabilities.

This moment marks a key test of the Australia–US defence partnership, as both nations prepare for long-term strategic coordination.

#AUKUS #DefenceNews #AustraliaUSAlliance #NuclearSubmarines #TickerNews

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Trump pivots West Africa talks to trade

Trump hosts West African leaders at the White House to discuss security, migration, and trade, seeking acceptance of deported migrants.

Published

22 hours ago

July 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

Trump hosts West African leaders at the White House to discuss security, migration, and trade, seeking acceptance of deported migrants.

President Donald Trump has hosted leaders from five West African nations at the White House, with discussions centred on security, migration, and trade.

The US is asking these nations to accept deported migrants, particularly where their home countries have refused re-entry.

#Trump #WestAfrica #MigrationPolicy #USAfricaRelations #TickerNews

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Air India crash investigation focuses on fuel switches

Preliminary Air India crash report to focus on fuel switches after deadly June incident; 241 fatalities reported.

Published

1 day ago

July 9, 2025

Ahron Young

Preliminary Air India crash report to focus on fuel switches after deadly June incident; 241 fatalities reported.

In Short:
A report on the June Air India jetliner crash, which killed 241 on board and 29 on the ground, is imminent, focusing on fuel control switches and multiple contributing factors. The investigation is led by India’s authority, facing scrutiny over information access, while the government plans to enhance civil aviation safety and improve Air India’s reputation.

A preliminary report on the Air India jetliner crash in June is expected soon. The crash resulted in 241 deaths out of the 242 on board, in addition to at least 29 fatalities on the ground.

Investigators are focusing on the plane’s fuel control switches following an analysis of flight data recorders. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost altitude shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, India. Family members continue to mourn victims, highlighting the tragedy’s impact.

Investigations have found no immediate concerns regarding mechanical failure, and airlines have not been advised to change 787 operations. The focus on fuel switches relates to their role in engine power.

Specific actions

However, details about specific actions being investigated remain unclear.

Experts indicate fuel switches cannot be moved accidently, and any shutdown would instantly affect engine power. Reports suggest that multiple factors likely contributed to the crash. The Indian investigation authority, under international rules, leads the probe but has faced scrutiny over information accessibility, taking weeks to retrieve flight data.

The Indian government has only held one press conference regarding the incident. Recently, U.N.’s International Civil Aviation Organization was granted observer status in the investigation. The event poses challenges for the Tata Group in revamping Air India’s reputation.