Aug. 25, 2010 - The 1.8 kilograms of uranium 238 recovered last month by Moldovan authorities was not an immediate threat for use in a nuclear or radiological weapon, one expert told CNN (see GSN, Aug. 24).
An "elaborate set-up" would be needed to refine the material -- known also as yellowcake uranium -- to weapon-grade levels, said Georgia State University nuclear physics professor Xiachun He. A significantly higher amount of enriched uranium would also likely be needed to power a nuclear weapon.
The uranium would not even have sufficient radiation levels for dispersal using conventional explosives in a radiological "dirty bomb," He said.
"Apparently, you can't make anything serious out of this modest amount of radioactive material," said Chiril Motpan, spokesman for the Moldovan Interior Ministry (CNN, Aug. 24).
''I don't know whether this quantity could be used for making a homemade nuclear bomb, because the uranium must be enriched for this purpose, and this is possible only in special labs,'' he added, according to the Associated Press (Associated Press/New York Times, Aug. 25).
A sting operation in the capital city of Chisinau led to arrests of three of seven suspects who were said to be seeking more than $11 million for the uranium, CNN reported. "They were actively looking for a customer," Motpan said.
The suspects have been reported to include two former Interior Ministry staffers and individuals linked to similar crimes in Romania and Russia.
"We are expecting more information coming out of Russia, Romania and some other countries that can shed light onto this case and those suspects," Motpan said.
Authorities hope to determine the uranium's enrichment level and place of origin through testing in Germany (CNN).source: www.globalsecuritynewswire.org
