2007 International RERTR Meeting

Abstracts and Available Papers Presented at the Meeting

Developing HEU Guidelines

Cristina Chuen
James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies
Monterey Institute of International Studies
460 Pierce Street, Monterey, CA 93940 - United States

ABSTRACT

Programs to develop low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuels and targets, and convert research reactor and radioisotope production processes are based on a shared interest to minimize the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU). Many states have committed themselves to this work over the years, but an international mechanism codifying the objectives of HEU minimization or other policies related to the management of this material is lacking. With this in mind, the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies is facilitating the drafting of HEU guidelines, modeled in part on the existing plutonium guidelines. This paper provides an overview of our work on guidelines, which include transparency measures, recommended security measures, rules on transport and international transfer, along with other relevant policies for safe and secure management of HEU. The adoption of voluntary guidelines is essential to help the global community agree on some norms in this area and ensure that programs like RERTR can meet future political challenges.

 

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