17 November 2000 Ten Metric Tons of Russian Nuclear Material Secured The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced November 17 that approximately 10 metric tons of weapons-usable nuclear material -- enough material for more than 500 nuclear bombs -- at a plant in Siberia have been consolidated and secured in "a new central storage facility equipped with comprehensive nuclear material security and accounting systems." The consolidation of material at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant in Siberia was part of a cooperative effort with Russia designed to protect hundreds of metric tons of plutonium and highly enriched uranium against theft or diversion, according to a DOE press release. Similar projects are underway at other large nuclear facilities. Following is the text of the press release: U.S. Department of Energy Washington, D.C. November 17, 2000 Ten Metric Tons of Russian Nuclear Material Secured Consolidation at Novosibirsk Latest Effort to Protect Nuclear Material Against Theft The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration on November 17 announced the completion of an effort to consolidate and secure approximately 10 metric tons of weapons-usable nuclear material -- enough material for more than 500 nuclear bombs -- at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant in Siberia, Russia. The materials were moved from three separate storage locations to a new central storage facility equipped with comprehensive nuclear material security and accounting systems. "Today's announcement shows the continuing commitment of the United States and Russia to reduce the risk that terrorists or countries of proliferation concern might acquire nuclear materials for use in a weapon," said Secretary Richardson. "It is essential we continue this vital work to protect America's security and safety." The systems were installed as part of the U.S.-Russian Material Protection, Control and Accounting (MPC&A) program, a cooperative effort with Russia designed to protect hundreds of metric tons of plutonium and highly enriched uranium against theft or diversion. Sizable consolidation projects are also underway at large nuclear facilities like the Scientific Production Association in Luch and the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering (IPPE) in Obninsk. Consolidation efforts will reduce the number of storage areas by roughly 65 percent at these facilities, greatly increasing the efficiency by which DOE can ensure that attractive nuclear material in Russia remains secure now and well after DOE's work at the sites is complete. The MPC&A program was launched in 1993 in partnership with Russia and the New Independent States to correct serious deficiencies in systems to secure nuclear materials against insider and outsider threats. Through this program, security upgrades are underway for 750 metric tons of the estimated 960 metric tons of nuclear materials requiring security. The main thrusts of the program are to install modern physical security and material accounting systems; reduce risks by consolidating materials into fewer buildings and converting highly enriched uranium to forms not usable in weapons; and promote sustainability by fostering the development of Russian capabilities to maintain security upgrades over the longer term. Media Contact: Tamara Hamilton, 202/586-5806 (distributed By The Office Of International Information Programs, U.s. department Of State. Web Site: Http://usinfo.state.gov) Return to the Washington File