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At ORNL, promethium was synthesized at the High Flux Isotope Reactor, a DOE Office of Science user facility, and purified at the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, a multipurpose radiochemical processing and research facility.

Leading up to the July restart of the 5-megawatt reactor, a steam plant at a radiochemical laboratory was in operation for five months beginning in mid-February, according to the report.

The report said there were indications of the operation of Yonbyon’s radiochemical laboratory from mid-February to early July this year.

“The duration of this operation is consistent with the time required for a reprocessing campaign at the Radiochemical Laboratory. It is not, however, possible to confirm that reprocessing is taking place,” he added.

“The steam plant that serves the Radiochemical Laboratory has continued to operate since my last Statement to the Board in March,” he said in the text of a speech.