SRINAGAR: North Korea has expanded its uranium enrichment infrastructure at the Yongbyon nuclear complex and begun operating an annex at a separate enrichment site in Kangson, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said, according to a Reuters report.
The Vienna-based nuclear watchdog said a newly built two-storey facility at Yongbyon could accommodate up to 28 centrifuge cascades. Photographs indicate that centrifuge cascades have been installed on both floors of the building.
The IAEA said the developments point to a continued expansion of North Korea’s nuclear infrastructure at several locations.
In a report dated August 28, the agency said it identified the new structure at Yongbyon as a second uranium enrichment facility by comparing satellite imagery from its construction phase with photographs released by North Korean state media during leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to the complex in June.
The agency also found indications that an expanded annex at the Kangson uranium enrichment facility, near Pyongyang, began operating in January. The annex was constructed in 2024, according to the IAEA report.
The IAEA has not had inspectors in North Korea since 2009. Its latest assessment was based on satellite imagery and publicly available information, including photographs released by North Korean state media.
The agency said the operation and expansion of the enrichment facilities were in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“The ongoing operation of enrichment facilities at Kangson and Yongbyon and the reported further expansion of the DPRK’s production of weapons-grade nuclear material is a cause for serious concern,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in a statement to the agency’s Board of Governors on Monday.
DPRK refers to North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
