Iran starts exploration operation to find uranium

TEHRAN, Oct. 19 (MNA) – The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has started massive operations to explore for uranium in central and southern parts of the country, AEOI Director Ali Akbar Salehi said on Monday.

After the Bushehr nuclear power plant came on stream in August, Iran decided to explore for uranium in order to become self-sufficient in this regard, Salehi stated.

The technical operation has already started for the purpose, Salehi told the Mehr News Agency.

The AEOI has already carried out studies in areas which are assumed to contain uranium reserves and the results will be announced when studies are completed.

“We have divided the country into some regions and in each one we are doing some research. But most of our exploration activities are being conducted in the central and southern part of the country,” he explained.

On August 21, the Bushehr nuclear power plant was launched as engineers loaded the first of 163 fuel rods into the reactor under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The startup of the plant marked a milestone in Iran’s history as the country joined 29 nations that currently generate nuclear power.