IAEA finds signs of Yongbyon reactor`s resumed operation

The International Atomic Energy Agency said on Friday that it discovered signs that North Korea is operating anew a 5MW-class gas-graphite nuclear reactor in Yongbyon, which is capable of producing plutonium applicable in production of nuclear bombs.

In an annual report on Yongbyon nuclear facilities released on the day, IAEA said, “Since August 2013, IAEA had been analyzing satellite images to find emission of steam and leaks of coolant at the graphite nuclear reactor, and this is evidence identical to that of the reactor’s operation.” However, the report said, “Since IAEA has not had access to the 5MW nuclear reactor since April 2009, we cannot verify the operational situation of the reactor.” After the North deported IAEA inspectors in 2009, there are no inspectors stationed in the Stalinist country.

In 2008, the North destroyed the reactor’s cooling tower as a measure to restore trust with the aim of resuming six-way talks. However, Pyongyang declared in April last year that it will resume operation of the Yongbyon graphite reactor to seek nuclear deterrence. “38 North,” a website on North Korea affairs, said based on analysis of satellite photos in June last year that the North completed work to link the cooling system of an experimental light water reactor under construction near the reactor, rather than rebuilding a new cooling tower, in order to resume the operation of the Yongbyon reactor.

The Institute for Science and International Security in the U.S. also announced last month that it verified the North’s operation of the nuclear reactor with satellite photos taken in late June. On resumption of the Yongbyon nuclear reactor’s operation, the U.S. State Department said, “It is an ill-advised measure that runs counter to North Korea’s pledge to the international community.”