Other Names: Jaber Ibn Hayan, Research Department (JIHRD)
Location: Tehran Nuclear Research Centre (TNRC)
Subordinate to: TNRC
Size: Numerous laboratories and facilities
Primary Function: Research and laboratory support
Description:
JHL is a multipurpose research complex that conducts research on most aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, production of 99Mo (Molybdenum), 131I (Iodine), and 133Xe (Xenon) radioisotopes, and provides various laboratory services to the Nuclear Fuel Production Division. In a letter to the IAEA dated 23 July 2003, Iranian authorities acknowledged that 113 experiments had been conducted using the UF4 imported from China in 1991. These experiments were intended to optimize conditions for producing uranium metal. In the same letter, Iran claimed that in the early 1990s, it was unclear whether the Iranian nuclear program would consist of CANDU reactors, Magnox reactors, or light water reactors. It was therefore decided to include a uranium metal production line, since it could also be used in the production of a shielding metal. The IAEA believes the uranium metal experiments "could be considered as a process to gain know-how in nuclear material production." A uranium metal purification and casting laboratory is currently under construction at JHL. The status of that facility is unknown.
Key Sources:
[1] Jaber Ibn Hayan, AEOI Research Department, http://www.aeoi.org.ir/NewWeb/Fuel/Jaber/jaber.htm.
[2] "Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Islamic Republic of Iran," International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 26 August 2003, p. 5.
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Updated January 2006 |
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