South Africa's Necsa wins global nuclear award

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THE South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has received an award at the World Nuclear Association Symposium in London.

The award recognises the conversion of the Safari-1 nuclear reactor at Pelindaba west of Pretoria to be a leading supplier of medical isotopes.

The nuclear symposium is attended by 600 leaders of the global nuclear industry and includes presentations, exhibitions by suppliers and networking.

A main focus falls on the future of nuclear in a variety of fields.

South Africa’s award, made by the US Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration, acknowledges Necsa’s role in production of MO-99 in Safari-1, making it one of the four largest producers of the isotopes used for diagnostic procedures in the world.

The facility was converted to use low-enriched uranium, and showed South Africa’s commitment to the collective goal of establishing a reliable supply of MO-99 making the world a safer place, the citation read.

Necsa chairperson Dr Kelvin Kemm said he was proud of what South African scientists had achieved technologically in the conversion of Safari-1, which was in line with “international goals to move away from potential nuclear weapons technology”.

He praised chief executive Phumzile Tshelane and his team at Necsa. – Staff Reporter