Iran to launch ‘advanced centrifuges’ in response to UN Nuclear Watchdog Censure

Iran plans to launch “new and advanced” centrifuges in response to a UN nuclear watchdog resolution criticising its lack of cooperation.

• The resolution, backed by Britain, France, Germany, and the US, was adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

About Uranium Enrichment

• Uranium enrichment is the process of increasing the concentration of uranium-235 (U-235) in natural uranium. 
  • This is done to create nuclear fuel for power reactors, which require uranium with a concentration of 2–5% U-235.
  • Composition of Natural Uranium:  99.3% U-238 & 0.7% U-235
• Natural Isotopes: Uranium-234 (U-234), Uranium-235 (U-235) and Uranium-238 (U-238) 
• Occurrence:  U-235 and U-238 occur naturally in nearly all rock, soil, and water. 
  • U-238 is the most abundant form in the environment. 
• Types of Enriched Uranium:
  • Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU): U-235 concentration is below 20% and is used as fuel in commercial nuclear power reactors
  • Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU):  U-235 concentration is above 20% and is historically used for military applications, including nuclear weapons.

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Centrifuge & its Working

• Centrifuge: These are machines that enrich uranium transformed into gas by rotating it at very high speed, increasing the proportion of fissile isotope material (U-235).
• Key Components:
• • Rotor: A tube that spins rapidly (up to 60,000 rpm).
  • Uranium Hexafluoride (UF₆) → Uranium in gaseous form is fed into the centrifuge

Uranium Deposits in India

• First Uranium Deposit was  discovered in 1951 inJaduguda, Singhbhum Thrust Belt, Jharkhand.
• Other Significant Uranium Deposits: 
• • Andhra Pradesh: Cuddapah Basin 
  • Meghalaya: Sandstone-type uranium deposits are found in the form of  Domiasiat, Wahkhyn, & Mawsynram (Mahadek Basin).
  • Potential Areas:  Regions in Rajasthan, Karnataka, & Chhattisgarh 

About International Atomic Energy Agency

• It is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field.
• It is known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organisation within the United Nations.
• Establishment: In 1957
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
• It reports to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Security Council (UNSC).

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• Purpose: 
  • Promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
  • Aims to prevent the use of nuclear energy for military purposes, including nuclear weapons.
• Functions:
  • Collaborates with Member States & partners worldwide to ensure the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
  • Implements nuclear safeguards and  verify peaceful nuclear activities & prevent their diversion to weapons programs.
  • Enforces comprehensive safeguards agreements under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
  • Facilitates the exchange of scientific & technical information among its Member States.
  • Strengthens capacities to respond to nuclear and radiological incidents to minimize their impact.