Iran
Isfahan (Esfahan) Nuclear Fuel Research and Production Center (NFRPC)
About
Established in 1974 with French assistance, the Isfahan (Esfahan) Nuclear Fuel Research and Production Center (NFRPC) conducts research on uranium mining, conversion and fuel production. 1 It comprises a Nuclear Engineering Department, a Metallurgical Engineering and Fuel Department, a Chemistry Department, and a Miniature Neutron Source Reactor Department. 2 In 2004, construction of a fuel manufacturing plant (FMP) began that was to produce fuel rods for the IR-40 heavy water reactor and the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. However, as of November 2010, missing equipment and sanctions had stalled its completion. 3 The NFRPC is the target of both U.S. and UN sanctions. 4 Additionally, UNSCR 1747 imposed an international travel ban and assets freeze on Amir Rahimi, head of the NFRPC.
Glossary
- Uranium
- Uranium is a metal with the atomic number 92. See entries for enriched uranium, low enriched uranium, and highly enriched uranium.
Sources
- Ghannadi-Maragheh, “Atomic Energy Organization of Iran,” Presented at the World Nuclear Association Annual Symposium, World Nuclear Association, 2002, 4-6 September 2002, www.world-nuclear.org.
- Ghannadi-Maragheh, “Atomic Energy Organization of Iran,” Presented at the World Nuclear Association Annual Symposium, World Nuclear Association, 2002, 4-6 September 2002, www.world-nuclear.org.
- “Iranian Entity: Isfahan (Esfahan) Nuclear Technology Center,” Iran Watch, www.iranwatch.org.
- Kenneth Katzman, “Iran Sanctions,” Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, 23 June 2010.