Isotope shortage may not be dire as predicted, NMEU says

A global shortage of molybdenum-99 and iodine-131 due to a mechanical failure at Belgium's BR2 reactor in Mol may not be as dire as initially predicted, according to Nuclear Medicine Europe (NMEU).

BR2 staff informed NMEU on 4 November that inspections of the reactor have been completed. Inspection results were expected to be discussed on 7 November; the reactor may resume production on 17 November.

In addition, NMEU confirmed the following:

1. The Czech LVR-15 reactor will resume production on 18 November instead of on 29 November.
2. Australia's Open Pool Australian Lightwater reactor restarted on 5 November.
3. The South African SAFARI reactor will continue to operate until 19 November.

NMEU will provide further communication regarding isotope production on 8 November, it said.