UK uranium processing plant to close

Independent : A nuclear fuel reprocessing site in the UK is slated to close due to falling demand. Commissioned in the early 1990s, the Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant (THORP) at Sellafield separates the uranium and plutonium from spent nuclear fuel. Once the current contracts are completed, which should be by 2018, THORP will enter a postclosure and clean-out phase prior to decommissioning, according to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The Prospect trade union, which represents UK scientists and other technical workers, expressed disappointment in the seemingly sudden decision.